Dr Peter Wyss

The first philosophy book that I read as a teenager was a classic yellow ‘Reclam’ edition of Descartes’s ‘Discourse on Method’.

I was immediately hooked by his blend of autobiography, argumentation and practical advice. I realised, vaguely, that philosophy has something to do with my life. Indeed: with anyone’s life.

After a few more years, during which I worked as a primary school teacher, I began studying philosophy at the university in Berne. I also studied psychology.

Then one thing led to another. After my doctorate in London, I taught philosophy in adult continuing education, mainly in Oxford. I was lucky that on the public programme I could offer courses on themes that fascinated myself. The enthusiasm for philosophy by the many people I met was truly inspiring. During these fifteen years, I also felt more and more at home with the ancient authors, and so also with the idea that philosophy is a way of life.

And so I am back to argumentation and autobiography, which in my Thinkery come together.

I hold a certificate as Philosophical Practitioner from BV-PP; and I also hold a Counselling Skills Certificate from COSCA.