TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO PLEASURE

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Ever contemplated the intricacies of pleasure?  Can John Stuart Mill’s philosophy distinguish between higher and lower pleasures guide us toward a more fulfilling life?  How does Epicurus’ pursuit of tranquil pleasure challenge modern hedonism, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to gratification? Join us as we explore these questions and others, allowing pleasure to be our guide through 

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AN INTRODUCTION TO ZEN AND JAPANESE PHILOSOPHY

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Japanese philosophy has historically been a fusion of both indigenous Shinto and continental religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Having spent centuries in the orbit of both Chinese philosophy and Indian philosophy, modern Japanese thought draws on both of these cultural influences, resulting in a rich religio-philosophical worldview which underpins Japanese aesthetic concepts such 

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TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO NATURE

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Ever pondered the profound mysteries of nature?  Can Arne Naess’s deep ecology unveil the wisdom inherent in our connection with the natural world? How does Soga Ryojin’s assertion, “We cannot rise above nature,” resonate in a world balancing technological marvels and ecological consciousness?  Join us in exploring these questions, as we attempt to guide ourselves towards a 

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WHAT IS FREEDOM OF THE WILL? DO WE HAVE IT?

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Most people believe that they have freedom of the will. Philosophers, however, disagree over whether or not this belief is correct. In this short course, we will consider religious, scientific, ethical and literary views concerning what freedom of the will might be and decide for ourselves whether or not any of these present a compelling case for freedom. 

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SUNDAY LECTURE: THE INGENIOUS MR FLITCROFT

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

..."arguably the most significant Georgian architect of whom most people have never heard," Henry Flitcroft designed some of the greatest country houses of the 18th century including Woburn Abbey, Wimpole and Wentworth Woodhouse. His accomplishments also included furniture, churches and notable London buildings such as Chatham House and Benjamin Franklin House. Author Gill Hedley will lead 

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APPRECIATING SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE: THE TEMPEST

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Join us to explore Shakespeare’s late comedy of love and magic, power struggles and forgiveness. Consider how Prospero and Miranda, Ariel and Caliban respond to the arrival of outsiders from the past on their Mediterranean island. The weekend includes an outdoor performance by the Festival Players on Saturday, followed by an evening Q&A with the director and cast. 

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HOLLYWOOD’S VIEW OF AMERICAN HISTORY 1914-1980

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

This course looks at Hollywood movies and extracts from them the history of the times in which they were made. While films such as Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940) or On The Waterfront (1954) were overtly political, many Hollywood films offer perhaps unintended insights into American society. These are 

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PHILOSOPHY AND FILM

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Immerse yourself in an intellectual sojourn as we navigate the interplay between existential philosophy and the visual language of film, where the profound meets the poetic to forge a unique tapestry of introspection and reflection. Following a now-familiar format, this course is built around a series of structured sessions involving screenings and guided discussion, and 

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FULLY BOOKED: CURIOSITIES OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

This course will focus on some curious and intriguing aspects of the English language. Why has English the richest vocabulary in the world? Why is English spelling so infuriating? What do place names tell us? Why does the language change, and who makes the rules? Join this course to find answers to these and other 

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TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO LOVE

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

This talk will explore diverse perspectives on love. Beginning with Plato’s The Symposium, we’ll discuss physical attraction and spiritual beauty. Erich Fromm’s The Art of Loving will proffer psychological insights, emphasizing love as an art that requires practice, care, and knowledge. Lastly, we’ll engage with Bell Hooks’ All About Love, advocating for love as a 

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