The 'School of Philosophy'A Religious Organisation? |
The 'School of Philosophy' is the Australian division of a worldwide network of schools with a common curriculum centred around philosophical topics such as ?the nature of human existence?. In other cities across the world, the school may exist as ?The School of Practical Philosophy?, ?Practical Philosophy Foundation? or 'Foundation for Philosophic Studies'. All of the 'schools' offer the same 12-week (in some cases 10-week) course entitled 'Introduction to Philosophy', which they advertise in newspapers and promote with flyers like this one.
Interestingly, no Universities or other academic institutions are affiliated with the ?schools?. None of the staff indicate they have academic qualifications, and the schools exist as non-profit organisations run entirely by volunteers.
They are, however, affiliated directly with an organisation known as the ?School of Economic Science? (henceforth referred to as the SES ), based in London. The following is an extract from this website about the origins of the SES:
The School of Economic Science (SES) is widely recognised as a religious organisation -- some have even gone so far as to call it a Cult. While its members will deny this, it is fairly simple to prove that the SES is indeed a Spiritual organisation, not an academic school, or a school of thought:
There are distinct similarities here with religious organisations. The teaching of particular spiritual beliefs, the exclusion of all intellectual content contrary to these beliefs, and the emphasis on rituals such as meditation (a type of ?prayer?), as well as the totalitarian structure of the organisation, all point to the same conclusion.
The following links shed more light on the SES, their teachings, and some of the issues surrounding them worldwide including the book Secret Cult published in 1984, and the Belgian Parliamentary inquiry into their practices:
Some people would offer the opinion that a spiritual element is severely lacking in our lives today, and that the SES makes positive steps towards restoring this. Indeed, their meditation exercises can prove both practical and beneficial. The idea of an Absolute may also have resonance with those who believe in an unseen spirituality, and feel that there is a distinct energy or life-force guiding the patterns of our existence.
The answer is: there's nothing wrong with spirituality, and as such there is nothing wrong with the beliefs of the SES. Spirituality is a wonderful thing, a resource in times of hardship, and a great source of inspiration and comfort to those who embrace it. Whatismore, spirituality is completely up to the individual. The individual chooses what he or she wishes to believe, and there is no 'wrong' or 'right' in this decision.
The SES, however, do not promote themselves as a spiritual organisation, nor as a religion, nor do they even reveal that they are teaching a Belief system. Instead, they hide behind academic banners, calling themselves a 'School' while continuing to teach material that is not academically-based, biassed and not open to any real debate. As a result, students do not realise that they are free to choose whether or not the spirituality of the SES is for them, becuase if it is taught as an academic discipline then presumably there is 'truth' in the teachings.
Further, by purporting to teach 'Philosophy' the SES take people's money with the understanding they will be taught philosophy, only to receive a course in mystic mumbo jumbo.
Perhaps you have already attended one of the Introductory courses. Perhaps you have seen the flyers or advertisements and considered attending. There is nothing wrong with attending a 'School of Philosophy' course - many of the ideas may prove both interesting and useful. Indeed, it can serve as a springboard for further academic study.
But be aware, you are listening to the teachings of a religious organisation. The aim of this organisation is ultimately to incorporate you as a member. Therefore have an open mind at all times, and do not accept anything said to you without questioning it. Question everything they tell you -- after all, this is the essence of true philosophy. If they claim to offer a Philosophy course, then act as though you're in one!!
Tell everyone in the class what you know. Ensure people know the religious origins of this 'School of Philosophy'. Spread the word that this is not a class in Philosophy, it is a class in a particular kind of Spirituality. Ensure people know this, so they do not spend a couple of days' wages on this course, only to drop out later when they realise.
While there have been accounts of a student in the UK complaining to the Consumer protection board regarding the misleading advertising of the school's courses, it would seem difficult to prove such a claim. After all, the course does refer to philosophers, just very selectively. And the Eastern/Hindu notions it presents can be described as philosophies, even though there validity is not debated, merely presented.
Distributing print-outs of web material on the SES to your classmates is not breaking any laws, and gives others a starting point from which to do their own research. This handout contains the content from the Philosopher's Magazine website listed as one of the links above, and serves as a balanced critical appraisal which many students could benefit from reading.
If you have signed up for a class without realising what the 'Philosophy School' is really about, and you don't like what you are being taught, you can always try writing a letter of complaint and ask for a refund. The Philosophy Schools are incredibly keen to conceal their real identity, and therefore will normally give you your money back just to shut you up! It certainly worked for me. Feel free to use my letter as a template for your own. There is no reason why this organisation should receive your money, particularly when they have misled you with their advertising material, if you are not happy with the services they provide.
This General Discussion Forum on the SES may be useful for airing some of the opinions and concerns you have on the SES. Much of it is devoted to the issues surrounding the SES-affiliated St James School in the UK, where many ex-students have reported negative experiences in the education system. However there is definitely scope for a broader discussion on the various 'Schools of Philosophy' springing up around the globe.
What is it?
The School of Economic Science in London started in 1936 when a small group of people came together to study Economics. They were seeking an understanding of the universal laws which govern the relations between people in society. They hoped to discover principles which would help to eliminate the social ills prevailing at that time. In this climate of social and economic uncertainty, a School was established on the firm premise that truth and justice exist, and so could be discovered, and having been discovered, could be practised and taught.The discovery, practice and teaching proceeded hand in hand, until in the early 1950s it became obvious that the key to the understanding of people in society was the study of Man himself.
The SES
So What's Wrong with the Beliefs of the School of Economic Science?
What Can I Do?
A Forum for Discussion