⸺ Introductory Course in Practical Philosophy

The Wisdom Within

Every human being is already full of wisdom, love and consciousness — all we need to do is realise it.
A 10 week course exploring practical philosophy for everyday living.

Next intake: 21st September 2026
Hawthorn · Ringwood · Geelong · Online

★★★★★ 4.8 — 27 Google Reviews
Full Fee $275 · Concession $200 · 10 sessions

“It felt wonderful to be able to come to a place that felt safe with like-minded people discussing these wonderful, existential, rich, deep questions without religious dogma.”

Trudi, Student

Practical Philosophy

Drawing on the great philosophic ideas of both east and west, past and present, this course explores the meaning of wisdom, truth, consciousness, the real nature of Humanity and what inhibits its development. It is for all, regardless of education, age or background.

The philosophy of the course is that the essence of a human being is limitless and that there is a unity underlying all the apparent diversity in our daily lives. This is known as non-dualistic philosophy.

It is, above all, practical philosophy. This means that the principles discussed in class can be put to effective practical use in work, study and every aspect of daily life. Simple exercises are given to strengthen attention, clear and quieten the mind.

Students are asked neither to accept nor reject any of the ideas but rather to test them for themselves in the light of their own experience.

No philosophy background needed. Just an open mind and a little curiosity. Each week you’ll also receive a handout to reflect on.

The course content
Week 1 : The Wisdom Within

Practical Philosophy, the love and application of wisdom. Why study philosophy? How to act wisely in all situations.

Week 2 : Know Thyself

Living in the present moment, the now. What is the potential of the present moment? We will consider the power of attention to connect with the present moment.

Week 3 : Being Awake

Different levels of awareness. What is our usual state of awareness? Are there greater levels of awareness? If so, how may we gain access to them?

Week 4 : The Present Moment

Living in the present moment, the now. What is the potential of the present moment? We will consider the power of attention to connect with the present moment.

Week 5 : Living Justly

What is justice and injustice? What does it mean to live justly? In particular we will look at what Plato has to say on this subject.

Week 6 : The Threefold Energy

How to understand and use energy well. Can we increase the energy available to us?

Week 7 : The Light of Reason

We will consider two practical frameworks for reason. How can reason enrich our lives?

Week 8 : The Power of Beauty

What is beauty? What is its purpose? Where does it come from?

Week 9 : Unity in Diversity

How to see unity in diversity, the common thread of life?

Week 10 : The Desire for Truth

How does the desire for truth show itself? How may it be satisfied?

Term 3 — Beginning 21st September 2026

Locations — Choose Your Session

HAWTHORN

Tue 22nd Sept 2026
10:00am Session

HAWTHORN

Tue 22nd Sept 2026
7:00pm Session

HAWTHORN

Wed 23rd Sept 2026
7:00pm Session

RINGWOOD

Mon 21st Sept 2026
7:00pm Session

GEELONG

Thu 24th Sept 2026
7:00pm Session

ONLINE

Sat 26th Sept 2026
10:00am Session

Note: In person sessions run for 2.5 hours with tea/coffee break, online sessions for less time with no break.

Why This Course
Built for the curious, not the convinced
Since 1977
Nearly fifty years of teaching

The Melbourne School of Philosophy has offered courses across Victoria since 1977 — refined over generations of students.

Lived, Not Lectured
Learn through experience

No exam, no dogma, no single answer expected. The emphasis is always on testing these ideas against your own life, then seeing what changes.

Not-For-Profit
A genuine community

Run almost entirely by volunteers, the school exists to share these teachings — not to profit from them. You’re joining a community, not a transaction.