Darren Harper – Philosophy and Creative Writing

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An adult education teacher for more than 10 years, Darren served in the Royal Navy earlier in life. This gave him an opportunity to explore different cultures. A yearning to learn meant leaving the RN and becoming a mature student, where Darren gained a 1st class honours degree in English & Creative Writing with the University of Cumbria. He then went on to do a PGCE and taught at Carlisle College, before leaving to become a self-employed adult education teacher. He now travels around the UK teaching Philosophy, Philosophy & Literature, Global Philosophy and Stoicism, amongst other related subjects. Based in Northumberland, he teaches regularly in that county, as well as Cumbria and Newcastle upon Tyne. He teaches several residential courses each year at Higham Hall, as well as an annual Creative Writing break at the Green Park Hotel in Pitlochry. Having trained as a meditation teacher in 2023, Darren integrates this with his practice and teaching of Stoicism. This has led to him running an annual retreat in Morocco, which incorporates Stoicism, Mindfulness & Meditation. He is now in the process of starting Citadel School of Stoicism, and hopes to complete his first book before the end of the year
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STOICISM: CULTIVATING RESILIENCE AND TRANQUILITY WITHIN

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

Embark 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, 

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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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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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TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO AGEING

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

Ever pondered the philosophical intricacies of ageing? Can Confucian virtues guide us through the challenges of later life, emphasizing harmony and virtue? How do David Hume’s skeptical reflections on personal identity and time influence our pursuit of happiness in the twilight years? Join us on an intellectually stimulating journey where these questions unravel the profound 

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STOICISM AS A GUIDE TO LIFE: THE FOUR VIRTUES

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

Though many people wish to live a full and flourishing life, it is not always as easy as the next self-help bestseller might suggest. For the Stoics, there is a clear path to flourishing and well-being, and this involves cultivating the virtues of courage, temperance, justice and wisdom. Happiness in life depends upon the quality 

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TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO SIMPLICITY

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

Ever contemplated the profound essence of simplicity? Can Thoreau's retreat to Walden Pond unveil the secrets of a meaningful, uncluttered life in the midst of nature? How does Emrys Westacott’s philosophy navigate the intricacies of modernity, offering insights into embracing simplicity amidst the complexities of a technology-driven world? Join us for ‘A Philosopher’s Guide to 

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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 

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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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