Darren Harper – Philosophy and Creative Writing
"As an adult education tutor I focus on the areas of Philosophy, Literature and Creative Writing. I gained a 1st class honours degree in English & Creative Writing in 2012, followed by a PGCE (Lifelong Learning) in 2014 and am now undertaking a BA in Philosophy. I have taught at A Level in both English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the past two years have taught Creative Writing to undergraduates.
"For several years I have been teaching around the UK delivering residential courses at Dillington House in Somerset, Knuston Hall in Northamptonshire, the Green Park Hotel in Perthshire and, of course, Higham Hall in the Lake District. Additionally, I have also started to offer a range of on-line courses in these subjects on my website darrenharper.net and post frequently on my Facebook page Darren Harper Courses.
"I have written theatre reviews, plays, short stories and contributed to an anthology of graphic short stories. I have also interviewed, chaired and given both talks and workshops at the Borderlines Book Festival and Hexham Book Festival. Additionally, I have given philosophy talks to U3A groups, writing workshops to writing groups and delivered CPD workshops on Stoicism.
"My main interests in philosophy are political philosophy, comparative philosophy and religion, aesthetics and ethics, especially applied ethics, existentialism and Stoicism. I enjoy applying philosophical ideas to contemporary issues in an attempt to challenge ‘the tyranny of custom’." D.H.
We design our courses to meet the expectations of three particular types of student:
- those who already have undergone some Philosophy studies including those who feel ready to tackle the meaty stuff
- those who would enjoy a user-friendly introduction to themes. Look out especially for Darren's courses titled THE LAZY PHILOSOPHER'S GUIDE TO...
Connect with Darren:
A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO SPIRITUALLY FOR ATHEISTS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomWhat is spirituality? Can it be secular or must it be sacred? Can it help to fill the god-shaped-hole left by Nietzsche? Using lectures, literature, discussion and meditation, this course will draw upon a variety of global traditions to see if, as atheists or agnostics, we can utilise the wisdom of different cultures to feel
TALK & TEA: THE PHILOSOPHY OF MIDLIFE
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomWhy does midlife often induce incongruous changes in one’s life? Is it that the things we have spent our lives pursuing no longer hold value? Making reference to philosopher Kieran Setiya’s distinction between existential value and ameliorative value, as well as the traditional Hindu stages of life, we will explore the value of life’s goals.
A CRASH COURSE IN PHILOSOPHY
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomFormerly philosophy was the preserve of PhDs and the intellectually precocious, until now! In this course we will explore some of the key questions of philosophy, such as: “How do we know that we know what we know?” ; “How should we live?”; “What is the best form of society?”; “Why do bad things happen
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO AUTHENTICITY
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomWhat does it mean to be authentic? Just how does one ‘keep it real’? Have ideals of authenticity been corrupted by an excessively individualistic Western culture? In this talk Nietzsche (‘Become who you are’) and Heidegger (‘People are inauthentic because they allow themselves to be moulded by the group’) will help us to explore our
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
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