SPP courses
The SPP has held a number of training courses in:
- Philosophical Consultancy (formerly Philosophical Counselling)
As of 2012, new short courses in Philosophical Consultancy and Philosophical Psychotherapy are being arranged.
For Socratic Dialogue training, we recommend the Society for the Furtherance of Critical Philosophy.
For Philosophy for Children, we recommend the Philosophy Foundation.
Philosophical Consultancy
Philosophical Consultancy uses philosophical insights and techniques to help people think about their lives. Consultants engage with clients in a dialogue in order to clarify personal problems and reflect on the best ways to adjust. Its value can often be not so much in the production of definite answers as the revitalisation of the thinking process, and the acquisition of philosophical skills and attitudes. Consultants' training in both philosophy and helping skills enables them to facilitate this process in a professional and respectful manner.
TYPE |
LENGTH |
DESCRIPTION |
| Taster course | 1 day | Introductory course open to all. Find out what philosophical consultancy is all about!
|
| Level 1
|
3 to 4 day course | In depth course involving PC theory and practice. For those wishing to begin their training as philosophical consultants, or to find out how philosophy can enrich their lives. |
| Level 2 | 3 to 4 day course | For those who have done the Level 1 course. More in-depth theory and practice. |
| Decision-Making | 1 to 2 day course | If you think that you don't make as wise decisions as you could or in your work you deal with people making decisions this course can help you. Open to all. |
Socratic Dialogue
Socratic Dialogue is a co-operative attempt to search for answers to questions, such as "When do we learn?" and "What are the limits of tolerance?". Answering the main question depends on systematic reflection upon one concrete example drawn from the experience of one of the participants (but accessible to all). This method was developed by German philosopher Leonard Nelson at the turn of the century. Socratic Dialogue is increasingly used with managers and professionals in businesses and organisations, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, but its diverse possibilities include education, healthcare and counselling. The training of Socratic Dialogue facilitators is similar to apprenticeship: participants learn by example and practice, rather than formal tuition.
LENGTH |
DESCRIPTION |
| 1 to 4 Day Dialogue | Training consists of three stages:
|
Philosophy for Children
Inspired by the pioneering work of philosopher Matthew Lipman, the SPP-affiliated courses focus on planning, facilitating, evaluating and developing communities of Philosophical Enquiry with children. Although targeted at the nursery, primary, and secondary age range, the theory and practice studied during this course is relevant for any age group.
For philosophers and teachers: The Philosophy Foundation trains philosophy graduates to teach philosophy in schools, and introduces teachers to the method of Philosophical Enquiry.
For teachers: Sapere (the Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education) provides classroom teachers with training to run and facilitate philosophy sessions with school children, in the classroom or in after-school philosophy clubs.
The SPP
