Philosophy & Literature: London & Surrey

The Value of Art: Philosophical Perspectives [two-day summer school]

Date

Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th July 2024. 10am until 4pm.

Venue

Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LH

Fees

£76 | Concessions £73 | Members £67

Description

Ever pondered the emotional impact of art or its evolving significance in the age of technology? On this two-day summer school, we will delve into these questions through the lenses of Aristotle, Kant, Walter Benjamin and Susan Sontag. Explore the cathartic power of art on Day One and unravel the complexities of reproducibility and sensory engagement on Day Two. Engage in thoughtful discussions, analyse artworks, and gain insights into the diverse philosophies shaping our understanding of the value of art.

This two-day course will include morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as a vegetarian lunch.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the Guildford Institute's website, or you can ring the Guildford Institute on 01483 562142.

Exploring Truth and Colonialism in Conrads Heart of Darkness [day course]

Date

Thursday 12th September 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm

Venue

The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS

Fees

£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20

Description

Join us for a one-day exploration of Joseph Conrad's renowned novel, Heart of Darkness, delving into themes of colonialism, narrative perspective, and truth. Engage with thought-provoking discussions on how Conrad's work portrays colonialism in Africa, the impact of narrative perspectives on storytelling, and the complexities of truth in literature. Additionally, we will examine Chinua Achebe’s critique in ‘An Image of Africa’, offering a comprehensive analysis of these compelling literary works.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.

Exploring Truth and Tradition in Chinua Achebe's Literary Worlds [day course]

Date

Saturday 14th September 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm

Venue

The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS

Fees

£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20

Description

Join us for a captivating one-day course delving into the timeless works of Chinua Achebe, focusing on Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God. Explore themes of tradition vs change, narrative perspective and truth, through engaging discussions and in-depth analysis. Discover the cultural richness and philosophical depth of Achebe’s storytelling, as we unravel the complexities of colonialism, tradition, and personal struggles within Igbo society. Perfect for adult lifelong learners seeking intellectual stimulation and literary enlightenment.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.

Global Philosophy: Existentialism and Freedom [one-day course]

Date

Tuesday 17th September 2024. 10am until 3pm.

Venue

Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LH

Fees

£42.50 | Concessions £40 | Members £35

Description

How does existentialism challenge societal norms? In what ways can we find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe? Through lively discussions and insightful analysis, we will delve into the concepts of individual freedom, responsibility, and the profound search for existential meaning. Uncover new perspectives and engage in stimulating dialogue in this enriching journey of philosophical discovery.

N.B. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the Guildford Institute's website, or you can ring the Guildford Institute on 01483 562142.

Existential Explorations: The Philosophy and Literature of Simone de Beauvoir [day course]

Date

Saturday 16th November 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm

Venue

The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS

Fees

£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20

Description

Embark on a day of intellectual exploration into the works of Simone de Beauvoir, the influential French writer and philosopher. This course intertwines her novel The Mandarins with her philosophical treatise The Ethics of Ambiguity. We will delve into themes of authenticity and selfhood, ethical responsibility, and the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty of human existence, as we engage in insightful discussions and critical analysis.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.

Existential Explorations: The Philosophy and Literature of Jean-Paul Sartre [day course]

Date

Sunday 17th November 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm

Venue

The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS

Fees

£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20

Description

Join us for a day of exploration into the philosophy and literature of Jean-Paul Sartre. Through an in-depth exploration of the novel Nausea and the lecture Existentialism & Humanism, we will delve into existentialist themes of freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Discover applications of Sartre’s ideas in everyday life through immersive discussions and activities. Engage in thought-provoking conversations and self-reflection in a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.

Exploring Time and Mortality in James Joyce [one-day course]

Date

Tuesday 19th November 2024. 10am until 3pm.

Venue

Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LH

Fees

£42.50 | Concessions £40 | Members £35

Description

Join us for a journey into the profound themes of mortality and the passage of time as depicted in the works of James Joyce. In this immersive course, we will delve into two masterpieces of Joyce’s literature: the captivating chapter ‘Hades’ from his magnum opus Ulysses and the poignant short story ‘An Encounter’ from his short story collection Dubliners.

N.B. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch.

Booking

To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the Guildford Institute's website, or you can ring the Guildford Institute on 01483 562142.