Western philosophy begins with the edict, “Know thyself”. This focus on self extends beyond self knowledge. Philosophy also offers consolations for fate, misfortune and death. These consolations require, not a great intellect (although this helps), but adherence to a set of practices. Through these practices, we will examine and, more importantly, experience these consolations for ourselves. Here, success lies not in sound and valid conclusions. Rather, “the proof is in the pudding”. That is, are we consoled?
Course Dates
Course details
Academic team
Course information
Who is this course for?
Our weekend courses are open to all adult learners with an interest in the subject and are taught at approximately first-year undergraduate level.
Please complete any required reading before the course starts. This will allow you to fully participate and get the maximum enjoyment out of your course.
Course content
By exploring the philosophical foundations of traditional therapeutic approaches, we will ask several keys questions, such as “What does it mean to ‘better’ one’s self?”, “Does the Universe prefer sane humans to insane ones?”, “Is an unexamined life really ‘not worth living’?” Notably, there is one important difference between i) these philosophers’ attempts to improve our understanding of self and ii) therapeutic practice: namely, philosophers are free to conclude that insanity is the appropriate response to the world. That is, philosophy does not need to make us “better”. Nevertheless, can philosophy make us “better”? Several philosophers think so, but they have different views about how this is to be achieved.
We will begin with Aristotle’s account of ‘flourishing’ as a loosely defined aim for humanity. We will ask what it might mean for an individual, society or idea to ‘flourish’; and what role, if any, philosophy plays in bringing this about. Other ancients, including the stoics, make similar appeals to the consolations offered by philosophy, and several make specific claims about why true tranquillity derives from our reconciling ourselves to an indifferent world.
Moving on, we will turn to religious thinkers to determine if fate, or rather God, plays an active role in reconciling us to life’s harshness. Augustine and Kierkegaard both maintain that true flourishing is a progress towards God. We will consider what relevance, if any, this might have to those engaged in a largely secular therapeutic practice. Moreover, do appeals to a ‘Higher Power’ (e.g. in rehabilitation settings) miss the point made by these two Christian thinkers?
In the penultimate session, we will turn to the 20th Century philosopher Wittgenstein who said that the aim of philosophy is to have one’s “thoughts at peace”. But is the tranquillity being sought here about accepting one’s limits, or is it a call to action? In particular, we will consider how Wittgenstein’s philosophy relates to contemporary psychological practice. Wittgenstein was influenced by both William James and Sigmund Freud.
In closing, we will reflect more generally on the therapeutic benefits (and harms) of an examined life. We will ensure we have plenty of time to reflect and ask any remaining questions.
Aims
This course aims to:
- engage practically with philosophical ideas related to self, sanity and betterment
- identify similarities and differences between philosophical approaches to self-improvement
- reflect critically about philosophy’s role in evaluating and developing therapeutic practices
What to expect on this course
The course will be delivered via a mix of informative lectures and structured discussion.
In groups, and as a cohort, we will reflect on selected passages from philosophical and psychological sources as well as seek solutions to specific problems. Consequently, whilst familiarity with the ideas will be desirable, it will not be required for discussion to take place.
Learning outcomes
As a result of the course, you will gain a greater understanding of the subject and you should be able to:
- identify the underlying, philosophical assumptions made in therapeutic practice
- speak in general terms about how Western philosophy has influenced therapeutic approaches to mental health, wellness and well-being
- make connections and draw conclusions about the validity of certain philosophical approaches to self and sanity
- offer criticisms of established viewpoints on the above themes
Each weekend course features 7 sessions (1.5 hours each) running from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime, plus regular breaks for meals and refreshments. On Saturday there’s also a longer break after lunch to relax, read or enjoy the gardens of Madingley Hall.
Course schedule and sessions
Please arrive between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. You can meet other course members in the Bar, which opens at 4.30pm. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the bedrooms.
Friday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00pm | Dinner |
| 8:30pm to 10:00pm | To what extent is philosophy therapeutic? |
| 10:00pm | Terrace Bar open for informal discussion |
Saturday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30am | Breakfast (for residents only) |
| 9:00am to 10:30am | Aristotle on Flourishing |
| 10:30am | Coffee |
| 11:00am to 12:30pm | Epicureanism, Stoicism and the Love of Fate |
| 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Free time |
| 4:00pm | Tea |
| 4:30pm to 6:00pm | Boethius’ Consolations and Augustine’s Confessions |
| 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 8:00pm to 9:30pm | Kierkegaard on Indirect Communication |
| 9:30pm | Terrace Bar open for informal discussion |
Sunday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30am | Breakfast (for residents only) |
| 9:00am to 10:30am | Wittgenstein’s Therapeutic Project |
| 10:30am | Coffee |
| 11:00am to 12:30pm | The Re-Examined Life |
| 12:45pm | Lunch |
The course ends after lunch.
Madingley Hall: an immersive experience
Teaching and included meals take place at Madingley Hall, just 4 miles from the centre of Cambridge. A beautiful 16th-century Tudor hall, set in 8 acres of landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown, it's a wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere, or spend free time reading and relaxing.
Stay at Madingley Hall
For the full experience, book to stay at Madingley Hall. Rooms are comfortable, with views over the woods, gardens and courtyard. Each en-suite room has Wi-Fi, TV, phone, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Breakfast is included in the accommodation rate.
A lift gives access to two bedrooms adapted for wheelchair users. All ground floor areas can be reached once inside the building. A lift also gives access to first floor teaching rooms for those unable to use stairs. Let us know any additional requirements when booking.
Check-in is from 4.30pm and check-out is by 11.00am. Please remember to check out before your Sunday morning class starts, luggage storage facilities are available at Reception.
For more information on accommodation fees and booking options see ‘Fees and financial support’ below.
Stay nearby
If you choose to stay nearby, no problem. You’ll still be able to enjoy the grounds during the day and enjoy the award-winning cuisine in our elegant dining hall.
Meals
As a student, you'll enjoy award-winning cuisine in our elegant dining hall. Lunch and dinner are included in the course price. Lunches and Friday evening dinner are served buffet-style, while on Saturday evening, you’ll enjoy a served dinner.
Dietary requirements
If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know when booking.
Getting to Madingley Hall
Madingley Hall is in the village of Madingley (CB23 8AQ), 4 miles west of Cambridge. It's 60 minutes from London, with excellent links to London airports. And It's easily accessible from the M11, A14 and A428.
If you're arriving in Cambridge by train you can take a taxi to Madingley Hall. Please contact Reception (by Saturday evening) to book a taxi for your return journey.
Parking
Free on-site car parking is available and we have a small number of spaces close to the Hall entrance for Blue Badge holders.
Fees
| Weekend course | Fee |
|---|---|
| Including tuition, lunches, evening meals, tea and coffee | £475 |
| Accommodation, including bed and breakfast | Fee for Friday and Saturday night |
|---|---|
| Single room (£85 per night) | £170 |
| Double or twin room: shared with another course attendee (£65 per night, per person) | £130 |
| Double or twin room: for single occupancy (£110 per night) | £220 |
Financial support
We offer a range of concessions for our weekend courses including:
- Benefits concession: 25% reduction of weekend tuition fee, applicable to recipients of a UK state benefit.
- School concession: 25% reduction of weekend tuition fee, applicable to staff who hold a contract of employment in any school or further education institution.
- Cambridge Alumni (CAMCard) concession: 10% reduction of weekend tuition fee for Cambridge University alumni, applicable to learners with confirmed alumni status of the University of Cambridge and who are CAMCard holders.
- University of Cambridge staff concession: 25% reduction of weekend tuition fee, applicable to employees who hold a contract of employment with the University or one of its Colleges.
To apply for a concession, place your booking and supply the required proof when prompted.
A concession cannot be used in conjunction with any other concessions or bursaries, apart from the PACE Open Access Bursary or the Early Bird Concession.
Please see our concessions page for further details.
Booking a weekend course
We recommend that you book early and well before the booking deadline to avoid disappointment.
To book a weekend course and accommodation click the 'Book now' button in the course details section on this page. You'll go through to our secure bookings portal where you can create an account with us, select your booking options and make payment.
Please let us know about any dietary or support requirements when booking.
Waitlist
If the course is full, the ‘Book now’ button will be replaced with ‘Add to waitlist’. Please add yourself to the waiting list and we'll send you an email if a place becomes available.
Paying for your weekend course
You can pay for your course by credit/debit card using our secure online booking system, unless otherwise arranged.
Payment options
You can pay:
- in full at the time of booking
- in 2 instalments (the first is 15% of the full fee, and the 85% balance is due 14 working days before the course starts, which will be taken automatically if your payment card is stored in our system)
All bookings made after the booking deadline must be paid in full.
Booking deadlines
Bookings close 14 working days before the start of the course.
Late bookings
If places are available, we can accept late bookings, after the booking deadline but before the course start date.
We cannot always accommodate complex dietary/allergen or other additional support requirements for any bookings received or any requirements added after the booking deadline. Please consider this if you're asking to book after the deadline and have special requirements.
Visa requirements
It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions.
To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.
If you already have immigration permission in the UK, please inform us so we are able to confirm whether this allows you to study on the Weekend Courses.
Booking terms and conditions
Before booking your course, please make sure you've read and understood our booking terms and conditions.
We are committed to helping you make the most of your learning experience. We offer a range of support to help meet individual needs. When booking, please let us know if you have any support requirements, including accessibility or mobility needs (such as building access or adapted accommodation) or teaching and learning support. The PACE Student Support Team will contact you to discuss your needs and advise on the support options available.
