Philosophy Course

[China Doll]

Evening All,

Just wondered if anyone here had ever attended or knew someone who attended the below course? Just looking for an idea of if it's worth attending or not. I;ve studied philosophy a bit before as part of my degree but not in any major detail and thought this sounded like it might be fun but since I saw it advertised on the Tube I was concerned it might be a bit of a scam.

http://www.philosophycourse.com/?gclid=CNmGw4D JhJgCFYsh3god0nMyDQ

Cheers
China

[Tom Braider]

I don't think it's a scam but they do have a creed of sorts, which I'm told they try to convince you of: on their website it says this:

"The School�s general study of philosophy is grounded in the concept of an underlying unity, or Advaita, reflected in many of the great teachings, religions and philosophical systems of both East and West. A key principle is that within each of us there is something that is common to all, unchanging, pure and free."

[GEEMAC]

Hello China, I remember seeing these ads on the tube when I lived in London 15-20 years ago and although I was tempted as I had an interest in philosophy I never attended. Not because I thought it was a scam (at worst it would cost �75) but because I didn't think it was a 'Philosophy course'. At those prices, they obviously had some other agenda, the words 'religious cult' sprang to mind. I once took a 'personality test' with a group of people at the top of Tottenham Court Road (I think they were Scientologists, this would be about 30 years ago) needless to say they said they could help me...for a price!

If you can afford �75 and aren't persuaded to part with more money, then it may be interesting to learn a bit about philosophy from their perspective but I doubt you'll get an unbiased opinion. Let us know if you decide to go for it.

[China Doll]

See that's what I thought too Tom and Geemac. I love reading and argueing philosophy but I don't really want something with an agenda to it. I just like studying.

And I love on T-Court Road (more or less) and that bloody scientology place is still there but I think these days they're offering how stressed are you type tests. Bunch of numptys.

[naomi24]

Rather than take it on chance, have you thought of doing an Open University course, China?

[China Doll]

Yes but I wouldn't do that on philosophy, I don't think I'd rather do an open university degree in psychology (when I learn to spell it obviously) or something that I have a longer standing interest in.

I'm thinking of going back (night) school, I'd like to do a beginners counselling course to see if I like and am any good at it so am looking in to which is the best one to attend. I like learning stuff and I like studying, keeps the old grey cells alive so wouldn't mind doing a 'fun' short course too... hence the interest in philosophy.

[jno]

They advertise every year on the tube... I think about this time of year you also start to see Christian ads - can't remember who exactly but there's always a drawing of a guy on a motorbike... anyway, yes, they sound as if they have a bias towards one particular philosopy. That doesn't mean they don't teach others properly, of course, but possibly not entirely objective.

Yes, the Scientologists used to have premises on Tottenham Ct Rd and assailed passers-by. I think they fled about the time China moved in. I expect her great mental powers overcame all the engrams.

http://www.scientology-lies.com/

[pastafreak]

I agree about the OU....they have several philosophy courses on at the mo.........I tried one a few years ago-,but it is just not my 'thing'........I am now considering going back to finish my Humanities degree with them.

I still have all the course materials for the OU course.........if you are interested..?

[China Doll]

Thank you for that Pasta, it's very generous of you. If I do go down the OU route I'll certainly check back in with you!

[ruby27]

I can not contribute anything regarding the link.
However if you visit the OU site as pastafreak mentions there are many short course available without commiting to the time required for a degree. When I have finished my current studying I have promised myself I will start philosophy with the OU -
Have you tried the Philosophy downloads that are available? Philosophy and Ethic bites in my opinion are really interesting 'bite' sized pieces where various philosophers talk on subjects. The other downloads are a bit heavier and feel more like study than just pleasure. Sorry if I am preaching to the converted.

[China Doll]

Ruby! How the devil are you? Happy new year and all that.

As much as the idea of doing an OU course does sound good I was thinking initially that I wanted to do a 'fun' (philosophy), short course that required me to leave the house and take part in discussions etc.. I'm starting to feel like all I ever to is go out to drink or eat these days and it's getting a little dull. I want to do something different but still be (vaguely) sociable. I'd also like to do a beginners counselling course to see if I'm a) Any good at it and b) Actually like it. I'd like to do something vocational. Hence I don't think I'd be able to do an OU course yet and I severely doubt my discipline levels for it too. Nice idea in theory though.

[Octavius]

I would love to study philosophy again. Why not try one of those evening public lectures or conferences to get a feel for it before committing to a course? The RIP and the UoL IoP also hold seminars and whatnot that you could attend after work.

http://www.royalinstitutephilosophy.org/events /index.php

http://philosophy.sas.ac.uk/events.php

That way there is no commitment. If you fancy the course you mentioned though, why not just give it a whirl, you never know.

[pastafreak]

Hi again,china. My discipline levels were absolute rubbish.......I never did near enough study during the 3yrs I managed to do-yet my grades were still in the mid-low 80's. And I wasn't working at the time.

Anyway...here is some background info on your tube advertisers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_of_Economi c_Science