What is Philosophical Practice?

Active Reflection in Conversation with a Philosopher.

About 2,000 years ago, Seneca wrote: ‘Would you like to know what philosophy has to offer to us humans? Advice!’

So, counselling is at the heart of philosophy: deliberation or joint consideration of relevant matters. Philosophical Practice is thus an activity: philosophizing.

In a dialogue with a philosopher, you can contemplate questions that are often overlooked in busy everyday life. You can explore your values and motives, wonder where your life is going and why it feels perhaps stuck, or uncover what you would like to develop but perhaps have yet to find the courage.

Not knowing in advance where a thought leads is the hallmark of philosophizing. Wonder and openness may give way to surprise.

So, in conversation you can turn your questions into meaningful insights. Or find better questions.

You can also think of Philosophical Practice as a form of counselling for non-pathological problems of living. It is neither a treatment nor a cure, but rather an opportunity for you to understand yourself better, and also to be heard in an open and free conversation.

By setting aside time to sort out your thoughts and gain new insights, you step into a tradition that started with Socrates: he believed that the unexamined life is not really the life of a human being. He thought this examination is central for taking care of oneself.

Part of this is the urge to know, to comprehend, and to make sense. And this is how philosophy, the ‘love of wisdom’, becomes critical for a life well lived. Epicurus opens one of his letters by saying that it is never too early or too late for philosophy, because everyone has the right age for the soul’s health.

As a philosopher, I encourage you in this ‘examination’ by asking questions, and listening with care. In a personal and confidential conversation, you can explore ways of shaping or re-shaping your own life so that it (again) flows well for you. — And a good flow of life is happiness, as the Stoic Zeno once said.

Feel free to get in touch if you would like to learn more about Philosophical Practice, or to make an appointment for a conversation. Please see also the links section for further information.