We offer the opportunity for lifelong spiritual and philosophical exploration.

Classes are not intended to be abstract and academic but very real and practical. The aim is to hear the ideas, apply them in daily life, and then discuss what was discovered at the following class.

We draw from a variety of sources including Plato, Shakespeare, Eastern Traditions, Christianity and Advaita Vedanta.

Each class includes a mindfulness practice which can help bring more focus and awareness to daily life.

Course Offerings:

Wisdom, Parts 1 & 2

  • The Wisdom Within

  • Know Thyself

  • Being Awake

  • The Present Moment

  • Living Justly

  • The Energies of Life

  • The Light of Reason

  • The Power of Beauty

  • Unity in Diversity

  • The Desire for Truth

Happiness, Parts 1 & 2

  • The True Nature of Happiness

  • Happiness and Society

  • Happiness and Utilitarianism

  • Happiness and Pleasure

  • Happiness and the Platonic Goods

  • Rejoice in the Present

  • Lao Tzu

  • Happiness and Contentment

  • Happiness and Work

  • Happiness and Wisdom

Love, Parts 1 & 2

  • Three Forms of Love

  • The Expression of Love. Thomas a Kempis

  • Constancy of Love. Love is the Natural In-Between. Boethius

  • The Beloved. Great Debates in the Forest. Viktor Frankl

  • Causes of Conflict

  • Love and Gratitude. Marcus Aurelius

  • The Sufis: Mystical Aspects of Love. Rumi, Naimy

  • The Stoics. Choosing the Emotional Ground of Love, Epictetus, Phillis Wheatley

  • Love and Work. The Three Motivations for Work. Khalil Gibran

  • Giving Love. Mary Seacole. Love and Wise Law

Presence, Parts 1 & 2

  • Being Present

  • Finding Value in Adversity

  • Absolute and Relative Existence

  • Plato’s Analogy of the Cave, Part 1

  • Plato’s Analogy of the Cave, Part 2

  • The Power of Thought

  • The Power of Decision

  • The Power of Love

  • The Power of Will

  • The Sovereign Self. Meditation Discussion

Freedom, Parts 1 & 2

  • Freedom, Truth and Love

  • Freedom and the Play of Life

  • Freedom of Speech

  • Dialectic and Freedom

  • The Journey to Freedom

  • Emotional Freedom

  • Freedom and the Heart

  • Valuing Freedom

  • Freedom from Tyranny

  • Freedom and Humanity

  • Freedom and True Being

TUTORS

James Maddox

James has been meditating and attending Philosophy classes for over 20 years and has tutored students of Philosophy at beginning, intermediate, and senior levels, both online and in person. He grew up in south Georgia and is an engineer here in Huntsville.

 

Jessie Maddox

Jessie grew up in England where she attended children's groups and Philosophy classes at the Croydon School of Philosophy in London and has also been practicing meditation for over 20 years. She currently takes care of their three daughters at home.