Philosophy as the Love of Wisdom

The Prometheus Trust has been publishing Platonic philosophy since 1994 and has been running seminars for the last five years.  These have been developed and now form the basis of an ongoing course for those wanting to study philosophy on a regular basis. The course in its totality will, we hope, be as thorough and as demanding as a degree course, and we will be using some of the techniques developed by the Open University.  However all our work in this field is based upon the conviction that philosophy is a living discipline and not merely a study in "head knowledge".  We encourage our students to use meditative and contemplative exercises, to explore the devotional aspect of philosophy, and to apply philosophical principles to their practical affairs.

We are using a modular approach in order that we can be as flexible as possible as new students enrol.  Each module will concentrate on a particular subject which will centre on a chosen text.  We will normally produce an introductory paper which provides the student with a framework for considering the text and its subject.  

Each module will be designed to be as self-contained as possible, so that although we will introduce subjects in an order which will allow each to build upon previous modules, it should be possible for students to join our system at any point in the cycle and continue through the complete series of modules.  The course will consist of  between 12 and 14 modules, and at present we are proposing to run two modules a year: this may at some point in the future increase to three per year.

We do not intend to award any qualification for this course, because we see the wisdom which it will help to develop as being sufficient reward.  Nor do we require any academic qualifications in order to join – a love of wisdom and an earnest desire to pursue wisdom being the only definite qualifications required.

Our methods

We post out our paper and details of the text to our registered students and follow this up after about a month with a weekend seminar; during the weekend we try to ensure that all our students have a broad overview of the subject and a reasonable framework for study in the particular area.  During the weekend we introduce the main text for subsequent study and show how it fits in the larger picture of philosophy.

Between the first weekend seminar and the second, students will be expected to study the text, and explore the questions that arise from it.  The second weekend will be a chance to continue this study collectively in a series of study sessions.  By the end of the second weekend we hope that all our students are sufficiently grounded in the main points of the text in order to spend the intervening weeks between then and the third and last weekend to prepare a presentation or short essay on a chosen aspect of the subject.  

Throughout the period in which the module runs, students will have the opportunity to communicate with the Prometheus Trust's tutors in order to work through any particular thoughts or problems which may emerge from their studies.

Those who feel able are encouraged in the weeks immediately following the last seminar weekend to expand their presentation or essay into a more extended piece of work.

Each weekend will include meditative and contemplative exercises, and there are opportunities for relaxation and conviviality.

To gain the maximum benefit, attendance at the weekends should be regarded as an integral part of the course along with individual study.

Costs

Weekend seminars are held at Maidencroft Farm which is situated at the foot of the Tor in Glastonbury, Somerset; they run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, at approximately two-monthly intervals between October and June.  Further details are available on request.

Each weekend will cost £80 - this covers accomodation, food and administrative costs (we do not charge for tuition).  We hope you find this acceptable; if you are a student or on a low income and you cannot afford these charges, please contact us in confidence to discuss how we can accommodate you.  We are asking for a deposit of £50 which is non-returnable in the event that you have to cancel.   All meals are vegetarian.  Please note that if may be necessary for some participants to share a bedroom.   Heating at the Farm is by night storage heaters and there are additional heating appliances including a woodburner – we suggest that you bring warm clothing, and don't forget to bring your own towels and suitable footwear if you're planning on going for a walk.  Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Copies of papers for each module are covered by the administrative charge; students may have to purchase books (which if supplied by the Trust, attract a 20% discount).

For more information and for a booking form contact the Administrative Trustee at:
The Prometheus Trust
Eastview Cottage, 28 Petticoat Lane,
Dilton Marsh, Westbury, Wilts, BA13 4DG
or email addey@prometheustrust.co.uk

Modules  for Autumn 2007 and Spring 2008 - click here       

 For details of future modules in this course - click here    

We would also like to post details of any individual or organisation which is teaching Platonism from a mystical and spiritual point of view: let us know what you are planning and we will add your details to a new page of educational links.