Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times I

For ancient philosophers, philosophy was not an academic puzzle solving endeavor, but a pursuit of wisdom directed toward living an excellent human life.

• For Plato and Socrates, philosophy prepares one not only for living well and with humility, but for dying well and with wonder.

• For the Stoics, philosophy is the great tutor of the emotions, teaching us how to live without being overwhelmed by fear, grief, or anger.

• For Buddha, philosophical wisdom is found in the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Path.

• For Lao Tzu, the best life lies in the way of goodness and integrity. For Saint Augustine, only unity with God will bring true happiness.

In this course, we will examine selections from a variety of ancient thinkers and seek to discover how we might apply their lessons today.

Four (4) 60 min sessions/course. Cost: $59

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Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times II

For ancient philosophers, philosophy was not an academic puzzle solving endeavor, but a pursuit of wisdom directed toward living an excellent human life.

• According to the ancient book of Proverbs, wisdom is not only life giving, but lifesaving.

• For Epicurus, wisdom makes a pleasurable existence possible.

• For Confucius and Aristotle, wisdom means knowing, understanding, mastering oneself, and living in right relation with others.

In this course, we will examine selections from a variety of ancient thinkers and seek to discover how we might apply their lessons today.

Four (4) 60 min sessions/course. Cost: $59

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Stoic Philosophy

Anger, sadness, fear, envy, and desire drive much of human life. They also destroy human life if not properly handled.

• What are emotions?

• And how should we handle our emotions so that we might live our best lives?

Stoic philosophy is geared toward addressing this problem.

One (1) 120 min sessions/course. Cost: $37

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The Ethics of Aristotle

For the ancient Greeks and Romans ethics was a beauty pageant of lives. Our job is to recognize and adopt the best from among them. There are many contestants: the life of pleasure, the life of power, the life of honor, the life of wealth, and more.

• But what is the best human life?

• What are the requisite conditions of our flourishing?

Aristotle provided clear and nuanced answers to these questions, and his wisdom remains relevant today. This course contains a survey and discussion of highlights of Aristotle’s ethical thought in the Nicomachean Ethics, and relates them to our lives today.

One (1) 120 min sessions/course. Cost: $37

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The Trial and Death of Socrates

Even in 21st-century America “Socrates” remains an enduring household name.

• Who was Socrates and why did he matter so much?

• What is his philosophical legacy, and why was he condemned by his own city to die?

The life, trial, and death of Socrates transformed the history of Western philosophy. In this course, we will evaluate the legacy of Socrates through the lens of his greatest student, Plato.

One (1) 120 min sessions/course. Cost: $37

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Stoic Principles for Living Well

Come meet some of the most influential Stoics of the ancient world and learn how their philosophy provides grounded, simple, practical advice for avoiding needless suffering and fortifying ourselves against emotional turmoil and mental anguish.

One (1) 90 min session/course. Cost: $49