10 week evening course in Teddington
Practical Philosophy
Discover The Wisdom Within
Courses in practical wisdom for everyday life. No time like the present.
Free to be yourself.
Philosophy aims to set you free. Free from pressures, worries and limiting ways of thinking. Free to grow and be yourself. Take your first steps to freedom and inner clarity with our 10 week course.
Practical Philosophy & Inner Wisdom helps you find direction.

Life can be seen as a journey. When we are feeling strong and clear-minded it is an adventure. The inner journey of understanding and discovery brings a unity to all aspects of ourselves; this then brings clarity and direction in all areas of our lives.
This popular course is practical rather than academic and draws on sources of wisdom from East and West, past and present.
Local Course
Local face-to-face evening courses available in Teddington TW11 9NN.
Starts Thurs 25th Sept 2025
Peace of Mind
A safe space with experienced & supportive tutors & others looking to philosophy to set them free.
Practical Wisdom
Courses in practical wisdom for everyday living. Meet with like minded individuals.
Offer only £60
Introductory offer – 10 week course only £60. (Normally £100). Limited spaces.






Explore Life To The Full…
The aim of this Teddington course is to offer a practical means to discover fully who we are, understand how to relate to the world we live in and see what gets in the way of being happy, peaceful and free.
Students are invited to see life as a place to test the words of the wise through practical and mindful exercises.
The Kingston course offers a practical means to discover fully who we are, understand how to relate to the world we live in and see what gets in the way of being happy, peaceful and free.
Students are invited to see life as a place to test the words of the wise through practical and mindful exercises.

“The daily awareness exercises … have changed my thinking and I feel more relaxed about situations in the media and other aspects of my daily life.”
10 weekly sessions
The ten weekly sessions explore central human questions through discussion, practical observation, conversation and reflection in good company.

Self-enquiry through practical philosophy
Themes explored in this 10 session ‘Discover the Wisdom Within‘ course…
How do we seek happiness? True happiness and unity: ‘May all be happy’ as an intent. Tolstoy: happiness through serving one’s neighbour. Observation, the conscious perceiver and the present moment.
Is happiness natural? Analogy of light bulbs. Relationship between happiness and law.
Bentham, Mill. Gandhi’s criticism and an alternative view to utilitarianism. The art of listening: practical exercise
Hedonism, Epicurus and Plato. Plato suggests two categories, necessary and unnecessary pleasures. Introduction to the Upanishads: finding satisfaction in oneself.
Divine goods: wisdom, self-control, justice and courage. Human goods: health, beauty, strength and wealth. Are these the way to happiness?
Introduction to Marsilio Ficino, renaissance philosopher. Key phrases inscribed on academy walls. Rejoice in the present. Richard Jefferies
Introduction to Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching. Tea ceremony. Exploring effortless action.
Introduction to Patanjali and the 8-fold system of yoga, meditation, contentment. What about ambition? Finding happiness in work: 2 principles for finding happiness in work.
Two more principles for finding happiness in work. Practical exercise to discover more about the principles of work in action.
The connection between wisdom and happiness. Marcus Aurelius; you don’t need much to live happily. Review of the term.
Three forms of love: Eros, Philia, Agape. Pure love.
Love of life is fundamental to wellbeing but what does it mean?
Shakespeare, love is an ever-fixed mark. Love is the natural in-between.
Great debates in the forest on loving the essence. Experience of Viktor Frankl.
Circles of love, ideas of other, desire to control. Meeting all as if for the first time.
The meditations of Marcus Aurelius. Inner organ of mind.
Expressions of love from Sufi philosophers.
Choosing the emotional ground. Words of Epictetus and Phillis Wheatley.
Work for the sake of love, duty and reward.
If you want to be loved, then love. Love and wise law.
What is beauty?
Is there such a thing as absolute beauty?
Beauty has the capacity to open the heart and bring delight. In this session we discuss our direct experience of beauty in its different form: of the sensory world, of thought, of feelings, of the inner nature, and of conduct.
We consider Plato’s idea of there being ultimately one beauty – beauty absolute – ‘not knowing birth or death, growth or decay’.
How it works
A tutor presents philosophical ideas, and leads a discussion based on what arises in the group. Being practical rather than academic, the emphasis is on personal knowledge and experience. Students are encouraged neither to accept nor reject the ideas put forward, but to test them in practice for themselves, in the light of their own experience.



Next Hampton Introductory Course
Next Course Start Date
Discover the Wisdom Within (Mondays) 10-wks
- Thursday 25th Sept 2025
- Time: 7pm - 9:15pm
- There will be a refreshment break
- Limited Spaces
- Introductory Offer only £60 (Normally £100)
Location
- The Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Rd, Teddington TW11 9NN
How to Enrol
- Step 1 - Click 'Enrol' & Add to Cart
- Step 2 - Enter your payment details
- Step 3 - Pay the £60 fee to secure your place
- Step 4 - Receive your receipt and course details by email.

Registered Charity No 313115
- Delivering courses since 1937
Frequently asked questions
The course is practical in the sense that it takes philosophical ideas and shows how they can be of direct use in our everyday lives. The intention is to stimulate enquiry and through this expand the way we look at the world and ourselves.
Anyone curious about philosophy, personal growth, or practical wisdom—no prior experience needed.
Just an open mind and willingness to explore!
Contact us to ask about taster sessions or bring-a-friend offers.
Full refund if you cancel before the second session.
Our courses have inspired thousands across the UK to live more consciously, connect deeply, and discover the wisdom within. Join a welcoming community and see what practical philosophy can do for you.
For further details or to download the full course prospectus download it on this page or email: PhilosophyKingston@fses.org or call 0777 9036 111 during office hours.
What some of our students say...

“Absolutely loving the course!! …Really changing how I think about things and life in general.”

“...I am benefiting greatly from the content and the practical nature of it. Thank you, it is enriching my life.”




“The daily awareness exercises … have changed my thinking and I feel more relaxed about situations in the media and other aspects of my daily life.”

"The knowledge and experience that I have gained from the philosophy classes has helped me to discover more about myself and better prepare for dealing with life's daily surprises and challenges."
What You’ll Experience
Practical Tools for Daily Life
Learn timeless philosophical principles and simple practices that foster clarity, calm, and resilience.
Engaging
Discussions
Explore life’s big questions in a supportive, open-minded group setting.
Personal
Growth
Apply philosophy to real-world challenges and discover new perspectives on happiness, purpose, and fulfillment.
Start Date & Time
Thurs 25th September 2025
Time:
7pm-9:15pm
All sessions are held in-person in Teddington. Discover the Wisdom Within.
Want to learn more?
Get a detailed overview of the course and all locations nationwide.
What Past Students Say..

“Absolutely loving the course! …Really changing how I think about things and life in general.”

“The knowledge and experience that I have gained from the philosophy classes has helped me to discover more about myself and better prepare for dealing with life’s daily surprises and challenges.”

“The daily awareness exercises have changed my thinking and I feel more relaxed about situations in the media and other aspects of my daily life.”
What’s Included
- 10 weekly, 2-hour sessions led by experienced tutors
- Practical exercises and take-home materials
- Supportive group environment
- Access to additional resources and community events



- Delivering courses since 1937

Ready to begin your journey?
Click below to reserve your place at the special introductory rate.