WORDS
SHAKESPEARE’S CONTEMPORARIES: BEN JONSON’S THE ALCHEMIST
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomJoin us to explore Ben Jonson’s ever-popular comedy of greed and folly. Social satire and split-second timing combine as a trio of conartists frantically juggle an increasingly complex series of overlapping scams and fight for status between themselves. Not to be missed! Clare Smout (Shropshire highamhall.com/clare-smout) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
THE PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE OF HENRIK IBSEN
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.” (An Enemy of the People) What is the relationship between the community and individual? Is one more important than the other? In this course led by philosophy and literature tutor Darren Harper, we discuss society, ethics, truth and life in the
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO IDENTITY
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomWho are you? Is the self immutable? Are you still the same person after you retire? In this talk, with the help of philosopher Amartya Sen, we will explore not only the questions above, but also to what degree our identities are plural, while casting a philosophical perspective on the incendiary topic of identity politics. Darren Harper
LANDSCAPES AND GARDENS IN LITERATURE
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomGardens and landscapes have always been important to writers. This weekend course offers the opportunity to enjoy and discuss the writings of Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy and other novelists and poets, in their settings of landscape and landscape gardens, with illustrations. Prof. Bill Jones (Leicestershire highamhall.com/bill-jones) Residential: £290 Non-residential: £210
STOICISM: CULTIVATING RESILIENCE AND TRANQUILITY WITHIN
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomEmbark on a transformative journey into Stoicism and delve into the profound teachings of Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. This course goes beyond positive thinking, offering practical insights to navigate challenges with inner strength and serenity. Explore the timeless wisdom of Stoicism through immersive discussions, reflective activities, meditations and literary explorations,
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO PLEASURE
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomEver 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
AN INTRODUCTION TO ZEN AND JAPANESE PHILOSOPHY
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomJapanese 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
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO NATURE
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomEver 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
WHAT IS FREEDOM OF THE WILL? DO WE HAVE IT?
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomMost 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.
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