Modules for Academic year 2007/8

Autumn/Winter: The descent and ascent of the soul

Text: The Phaedrus of Plato

Initial paper: Scholia on the Phaedrus

We are proposing to start our year with a module which will act both as a recap for students who have been studying with the Trust for some time and as an introduction for those who are new to our study programme. 

The Phaedrus is a remarkable dialogue – certainly one of the most comprehensive explorations of the science of the soul (psychology in its proper sense) – and was considered by many early nineteenth century scholars as having been written by Plato as an introductory programme, touching as it does on virtually all of the main concepts which are expanded in his other dialogues.  It addresses the question of how it is that we are as we are – our relation to divinity, to the world of pure ideas, and to the physical world; it also explores the apparently conflicting forces within our nature, how these drive us towards our goals, and how we may bring them into a harmonious balance.  The dialogue takes the widest view of human life, seeing each particular cycle from birth, through earthly experiences, and onwards to death, in a greater context – that of an unfolding of an immortal being who must regain a forgotten consciousness of divine beauty.  It also outlines the principles of Platonic education and is the dialogue which gives the most explicit recognition of the importance of an interior teaching beyond the study of written works

Weekend seminar dates:

Oct 5-7^th, Nov 23-25^th, Jan 25-27th

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Winter/Spring: An overview of Platonic Philosophy

Initial Paper: Philosophy, the love of wisdom.

The module will provide newcomers to our approach to philosophy with an initial overview, while for students who have studied with us for some time a chance to refresh their view on the fundamentals of philosophy.

Weekend seminar dates:

Feb 29-Mar 2^nd, Apr 25-27^th , Jun 13-15^th