Darren Harper – Philosophy and Creative Writing
PHILOSOPHY AND NATURE: DEEP ECOLOGY
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu. This course will take a gently philosophical approach to the relationship between humanity and nature. Exploring the thought-provoking ideas of Arne Naess and ‘Deep Ecology’, Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ and the Daoist worldview of harmony with nature, we will consider how these concepts might
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO LOVE
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomThis 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
STOICISM RETREAT: IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomIn this retreat you will explore the origins and principles of Stoic philosophy through engaging sessions on resilience, the dichotomy of control, and the role of virtue in adversity. Participate in guided meditations, group discussions, and practical journaling exercises to deepen your understanding. Discover modern applications of Stoicism and build supportive networks. Conclude with personal
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO BOREDOM
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomIn this talk we will explore insights from Bertrand Russell and Fernando Pessoa. Russell views boredom as a barrier to happiness, urging us to seek meaningful pursuits, while Pessoa invites us to embrace boredom as a space for introspection and creativity, leading to self-discovery. Throughout the session, we’ll encourage participants to rethink their experiences with