School of Practical Philosophy

The School of Practical Philosophy began in New York City in 1964 as an affiliate of the School of Economic Science. Founded in 1937 by Leon MacLaren, the London-based School of Economic Science was established to facilitate the study of economics and over time it came to focus on the study of philosophy. The courses are based on the precepts of Advaita Vedanta. Advaita means literally "not two"; vedanta refers to the knowledge underlying the creation. Together these are said to explain the essential unity of everything in creation and the source from which it arises. This teaching also speaks of ‘pure consciousness’ as the true essence of every being, and the human possibility of shedding the covers on this essence to allow it to be realized and expressed in its purity.
The New York City School of Practical Philosophy has branches in the Hudson Valley and New Jersey. Additional locations in the U.S. include Rochester, NY, Albany, GA, Scottsdale, AZ, South Florida, San Francisco, CA, and Boston, MA.

Philosophy Works and The School of Practical Philosophy are recognizable to many New Yorkers by extensive advertising in the subway.
Courses
Philosophy Works is the 10-week foundation course at the School of Practical Philosophy. The course is designed for thoughtful men and women who seek an understanding of the nature of humanity and of the world in which we live. Its purpose is to demonstrate how great philosophic ideas of the past and present may be put to effective practical use in daily life. The series is offered three times a year: in January, April, and September.
Following the foundation course, ongoing classes are offered to provide students with the opportunity to continue their study of the subjects presented. Material is drawn from a variety of sources representing both Eastern and Western traditions, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, the Bible, Plato, Marsilio Ficino, Hermes Trismegistus, Shakespeare and Emerson. Those who continue their studies following the introductory course are also invited to take up meditation.
For students not living near one of the U.S. locations, the School of Practical Philosophy offers a distance learning program online.

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