For some reason, the ads all over the T for The School of Practical Philosophy are really raising my skepticism flag. For people who haven't seen the ads, they're offering a free 10-week course exploring how people can discover their purpose in life and find happiness. I've looked at the website, and the school is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, which would suggest that it pretty much has to be a legitimate organization without an "agenda" per se.
I don't know though; there's just something about the school offering a free course and the ads purporting to help people find happiness that feels kind of cult-like to me. Especially given that the site states that "The School of Practical Philosophy is staffed and cared for by its own students on a purely voluntary basis, without remuneration. Its tutors are all students of the school who have studied their subject for many years." A philosophy school using only philosophers from its own school seems to go against everything I learned in philosophy courses. It would seem to me that a philosophy school, by nature, would need to be composed of teachers from diverse backgrounds and schools of thought.
I don't, of course, mean "cult-like" in the sense that I think the organization is recruiting hostages and cutting them off from their families, but there's just something that rubs me the wrong way about groups advertising that they can bring people happiness. Sure, there are plenty of mainstream activities (religion, education, hobbies) that people pursue primarily to find answers and happiness, but I guess something about ads blatently advertising happiness just creeps me out.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
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I agree that the posters on the T make it look like some kind of cult, but I have heard very good things about their classes. I actually have one primary source- a friend who decided to take a philosophical instead of a psychological approach to some very difficult personal problems.
He decided that he was experiencing extreme distress about the problems, but that the solutions needed to come from rational action and deeper understanding of the problems themselves. Rather than using a talking or pharmaceutical solution he took some of their courses and figured out what values and ethical principles he wanted to apply to the situation. He clarified his perceptions of the problems, determined how to act, and over two years solved or accommodated most of the issues.
He did eventually use a psychologist to help deal with acute distress during a couple of crises, but he felt that the outcomes for the big underlying issues were much more saitsfactory using philosophical techniques.
-Gray
Well, sure. With self-motivated clients who have good insight, our work is definitely based upon discussing worldviews and religious beliefs and human nature and whatever else in order to clarify beliefs and priorities and deepen understanding of self and others (oh my god, I sound like a brochure or something!). I think that any path to self-betterment is really similar in this way. Some people work one-on-one with a therapist or clergyperson or healer or whoever, others engage in study or organized religion. I pretty much think that any approach to better understanding self and others is really great and something we should all spend more time doing. It's just the propaganda aspect that made me say WTF, yanno? Uh, hi, we're promising happiness! Come on aboard! Oy.
Yes, those posters are certainly strange. I find it a little odd that they put on such an expensive ad campaign, too.
The group is most certainly a cult. For a discussion board about them go here
http://www.whyaretheydead.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=7
They are not in any way associated with a 'legit' school. They are part of the "school of economic science, london' which has NOTHING to with the legitimate "london school of economic science"
See www.stjamesinquiry.org
Oh yes, they're a dodgy mob and they're definitely a cult. In my mind their biggest fault is that they claim to teach 'philosophy', when they are teaching nothing at all that is based on logic. It is not a 'philosophical' approach, it is a spiritual approach, and that more than qualifies them as a religion. They should stop hiding their mumbo jumbo courses behind a true intellectual guise. It is a complete load of bollocks
"Cult" is rather a loaded word. How would you define it? I would say that some of the key parts of a cult are not at all present in Philosophy School. People can listen to whatever they want to from it, leave anytime, and make their own choices about what to believe or not. It is a blend of spirituality and logic. Again, it depends on you which side you'd rather get into. It takes examples from the great philosophers, such as Plato, Ficino, and Aurelius. My only agenda here is to say, let's be fair. My parents, my brother and I all attend classes at Philosophy School and love it. It hurts me deeply when people refer to it as a cult.
EThis is not an attack, but if you're comfortable with the school and the people there, then why post anonymously? Why not feel free to say anything you want about the place under your own name, or at least some sort of handle that ties you to a website or something?
Interesting...why call it a cult anonymously?
I find it amusing that someone would post a link to a forum hosted by an anti-Scientology site as "evidence" against the SES. Not that Scientologists are not creepy, of course, but someone who has gone through such an effort to defame an existing cult is, in my opinion, not the most reliable source on what constitutes one.
I live in New York and I too just noticed the ads in the past week. I was disappointed that I will not have the time to do a Philosophy 101 course where I am currently now studying, and found the 10-week package an attractive offer. By the way, it is most certainly not offered free here! Hah.
Anyway. I went to Wikpedia to check it out and found a link to an article called "Course of Cult," for anyone interested:
http://www.philosophers.co.uk/current/cult.htm
The author does bring up some good points, such as the SES misleads the public into thinking they are attending a general philosophy course, when they are in fact being introduced to a definite philosophy the school expounds.
Then, again, the author makes a vague effort to end the article "objectively." He does this by conceding that whether or not one takes SES to be a cult depends on where one stands on certain issues. The issues?
Traditional gender roles and all these other "bizarre" things.
I suppose if someone is a post-WWII brain-washed lefty liberal that makes the SES a "cult." Sure, buddy.
The guy above may have posted anonymously because, like me, he probably didn't see much of a reason to argue with all you smart people here, who have your skepto-radars and intellecto-blinders on. ;) I wouldn't have bothered either.
I am thinking of going ahead and taking their course. Now that I know their are putting out a specific spiritual philosophy, I'm actually even more interested in it. ("Oh, no, they got me too! Run!") I might come back and report to you, assuming it'll help anyone attempt to push past their arrogant ignorance.
How ironic that someone would refer to these people as mob-like (though they may be, I don't know), and yet it's so easy to see the kind of negative, self-hating inner itch that makes all the enlightened skeptics congregate and start posting links to "support" their silly claims.
I must say though, what really prompted me to write was being saddened at the idea that someone would feel so uncomfortable at something advertising happiness - and that for free. Does the owner of this blog not see how obvious his (or her) condition is?
I suppose if it were a new Nintendo console promising the same for $300 that would be perfectly acceptable. :P
Sebastian
PS. No, I am not leaving an email address or personal address or PO box or map coordinates or URL. And yes, I'm posting as anonymous because I have a blog too (one in which I've never written), and am not interested in "debating" this topic with self-centered smartasses.
I guess that makes me a cult member too.
Sorry to double post. For anyone interested, I found another article which has a list of cited links at the bottom. For anyone interested:
http://www.andypryke.com/university/cults/school_of_economic_science.html
Do note that the article mention a book called "Secret Cult," apparently written on the SES and claiming things such as "broken families" and the usual alarmist mumbo-jumbo. The authors?
Two journalists. Bwhahaha.
Nevertheless. if some of the other things about the SES are true, I don't know if it sits all that well with me. Then again, not a single one of these blabbermouths have probably even taken a single course there, much less have a clue what the SES' true agenda is, if any.
On the positive side, despite certain "allegations" against the school and surrounding "controversy" (what controversy? a bunch of sniveling money-hungry reporters trying to capitalize on the typically idiotic herd?), they've been offering courses for decades and even some public figures have attended.
Then again, the article mentions that these allegations have begun in "recent years." Perhaps the SES has indeed taken a different direction as of late.
Oh well. Remember, kiddies: everything you hear is crap. The blind leading the blind. If you're interested - and if the 10-week introductory course is indeed free around your parts - go check it out, then come back and tell us what happened.
One thing is for sure, and that's that the SES - from the description of its London buildings and this huge US-wide campaign - certainly has funding from somewhere.
Good weekend!
Sebastian
My boyfriend and I were talking about the posters in the New York subway today. DEFINITELY not free; try $175 for 10 lectures in NYC. We were interested so I went to their website and looked around. Even in their own information, they say they are teaching a philophy based on Advaita Vedanta, which is a Hindu (and Yogic) school of thought that proposes that at the end of all knowledge (Veda Anta) is the realization that all things are the same, that there are not any two things (a dva = not two, ita = ism), but that all is one thing (not-two-ism), Atman and Brahman are one consciousness. These are also the principles taught in many yoga schools and so they are pretty common "new age" ways of thinking. I'm a yoga teacher in NYC and so I'm cool with the principles (though there ARE other schools of yogic thought, too). Mostly, I object to the sly marketing -- I mean, I'm not dull and I, too, thought they were teaching a general Eastern/Western philosophy overview and discussion course. To me, the path to enlightment shouldn't begin with a false gate.
(Ignoring all the stuff calling me a bleeding-heart hippie who can't think critically...)
To the yoga teacher in NYC -- yes, these were some of my thoughts too. The premises actually look like stuff I'd personally resonate with, but I just don't like the whole "promising happiness" approach, nor the implication that they're a mainstream philosophy school, when they're clearly teaching a very specific belief system. If you're a religion, be a religion. Be fundamentalist Baptists who think I'm going to burn in hell for all I care -- just don't try to pretend you're something else.
There was a piece on NPR the other day about Positive Psychology. They were debating whether it was a hokey approach to "selling happiness" or whether it was something that could be useful to a lot of people. I'll probably blog about this in a new post.
Once again, I found myself thinking that the premise is perfectly valid, but that the "instant happiness guaranteed!" kind of advertising is unnecessary, and really pretty unethical. I mean, a lot of what I do as a counselor is to help people clarify their values and needs in order to feel happier and more empowered in their situations. And I think that it's great to encourage people without an outright "problem" to work with a counselor for personal betterment. I can't tell you how often I'll be talking to a friend and I'll realize that they assume that anyone who sees a therapist has major mental illness and/or is dealing with a crisis. I love the idea of encouraging anyone and everyone to go see a therapist just for increasing happiness without having any glaring problem -- or if therapy isn't what does it for them, to go to a clergyperson or a meditation teacher or a nature retreat or a writing workshop or whatever.
But I just don't like the marketing approach -- "hey! come here and we'll make you HAPPY!" I was taught all through grad school that no single approach has ever been shown to work for every person, and that anyone making this claim is a quack. There are absolutely people who won't be "made happy" by seeing me. Some of them might not be "made happy" by seeing any therapist. Some might be miserable all their lives no matter what.
I suppose that part of my discomfort is also that none of the normal old effective approaches to wellness and wholeness really need to, well, advertise. You don't see signs on the T that say "CATHOLICISM! JOIN NOW!" or "THERAPY CAN FIX ALL YOUR PROBLEMS!" There might be ads telling you when mass is or telling you what kinds of therapy are offered somewhere, but they aren't the same kind of JOIN NOW AND FIND HAPPINESS! approaches.
Groups that blatently advertise happiness and so forth do so because they're cultish.
Hi there,
I took adult classes at the School of Practical Philosophy in New York for about a year and a 1/2, and was motivated to post upon reading "Anonymous"'s comments about yoga philosophy, the SoPP, and the misleading advertising on the subways, which implies that they offer a general-philosophy overview. Anyone who is interested in taking the course, for free or fee, should (I think) read the experiences in the London children's schools posted on www.whyaretheydead.net. It's an anti-Scientology site that hosts a forum discussing some really shocking child abuse in the SoPP's mother institution, the School of Economic Science. Some posters use their real first & last names, some remain anon, but the accounts posted there are heartbreaking and mostly have the ring of truth. Something was deeply, deeply wrong in that school, and while much may have changed since then, the current chair of the school board ("Governors" in Brit-speak) was a MEMBER of the governing board at the time of worst abuse. Hard to believe there's been a real change.
I felt a learned a great deal about how NOT to apply theories of karma from my attendance at the SoPP, but I would strongly urge anyone interested in studying philosophy to read this article --
http://www.philosophers.co.uk/current/cult.htm
I currently attend classes at the New York City School for Practical Philosophy. I am sorry that the ads in your city bring up some resistence and negativity. The Ads in NYC dont preach Happiness, they offer an alternate perspective for people who are having difficulty finding deep meaning and happiness in their life. Actually the School is very far from a cult. The first words that are uttered from the tutor in the first class is never to agree or disagree with any of the ideas brought forth without testing them in your own life, to find out if it is TRUE FOR YOU. As a matter of fact, the discussions are very healthy and diverse. If you believe that any group of people interested in discussing topics such as love and truth using references from all types of wise leaders and teachers throughout history is "Cultish"- thats pretty sad. I find that BECAUSE they do not preach ANY religion OR philosophy exclusively, it is the least cult-ish type of group that I have found. This coming from someone who is very anti-group/cult/organized religion. So, before you knock it, maybe it would be a good idea to take the first class- especially because it is free.
PS-I am not aware of any negative press or child molestation involving the school- but in any case, there are good and bad people in any and every organization. That doesnt mean that the school in any way promotes devious behavior.
-A happy student at the School for Practical Philosophy
Hello - I just happen to have found your blog. I live in Israel and have been attending these classes since it arrived here a few years ago. I was looking for a course like this and was very happy to find it. The class was very interesting, the couple that brought the teaching are very nice - the discussions lively. But just this week I have decided to finally stop going! Why - because something is very wrong here! I have somehow begun to question their alterior motive. Their advertisement was - come join and learn practical philosophy - and now I believe that there is a hidden agenda - a conversion of sort. My first uncomfortable feeling was a while ago when meditation was introduced by a ceremony - which they did not explain beforehand - that had me and others in the group kneel down! before a picture of some guy Indian Guru - and I am Jewish and they have come to a Jewish country and they say they are Jewish so they should have know that this was absolutely forbidden for me or others to do! - and when I voiced my horror and insisted that they have to tell the next classmate who is a practicing religious Jew about the kneeling - they did not tell him!!! But I kept coming to the class - the actual philosophy I really enjoy. But all of a sudden there are prayers in Sanskrit!! so in order for me to get the practical philosphy - I have to hear repititions of prayers in Sanskrit!! Or they are saying - "now we have taught you - it is your turn to teach others. Give of your time to other classes". And they frown if you can't give. But that is not why I came to this course. I like hearing how to be a better person or how to relate to life in a calmer fashion. But it became very hard to separate the practical philosophy from the prayers. I am not a practicing religious person but I am a Jew and if I was to pray I will not pray in Sanskrit. I have tried to tell others in the group but it is very hard for them to see what I believe I see. Because of the ideas of practical philosophy that are being offered. but again - I believe that there is an underlying "cult" here. It just rubs me the wrong way. They advertised practical philosophy but are really asking for people to become "The School of Practical Philosophy" - why?- And somehow I believe that eventually a physical school will be asked to be built here and of course it will be asked of the students. But by then - the students will be so into it and so happy that they have received a way of life that they enjoy that they will have no problem giving! And this scares me.
What you said Eeka - if they are a religion why don't they just say it - I would not have a problem then because I would not be interested. And Nicole - I don't know how long you have been in the classes but what is happening only happens after a long long long time. The first 10 weeks of course don't have any thing like I mentioned -they don't preach any religion at that point- it has taken a long time for this to happen. And Dissenter - like you said - they started out as a philosophical approach and now it has become a combination with spiritual/religion approach. And this false gate approach rubs me the wrong way. they are clearly teach a specific belief system. like you said Eeka.
hi there. i have been doing a little research on practical philosophy and stumbled upon this site. i work in a little veggie organic cafe in the uk and a couple of months ago we we approached by a group offering a discussion group on practical philosophy.as we are a workers coop the decision to let them use the upstairs dining room for monthly discussions was made when i was away from work.we just got an email from a lady telling us to be careful and check them out more.at the mo not sure whether to continue the pp sessions? any thoughts? thanks
Hello everyone. I've been reading these posts and wanted to offer my assessment from personal experience. Yes, it all looks very simple and easy, a 10-week course, pick whatever night of the week you want, either for free or for not very much (compared with a semester at college) - it's a lure. The ads are definitely misleading - or maybe not: think about it, a fish leaping out of the fishbowl? To end up where? Once you get sucked in, you'll do a lot to 'fit in' and encourage others to join before you pluck up the determination to leave the 'comfort zone' that develops in your 'group.' I attended for about 12 years. The long and the short of it is, it is definitely not a 'comparative philosophy course.' It is their own version of 'great teachings.' Their use of any Western philopsophy helps legitimize their teachings but if you stick around for a bit you will be introduced to Hindu scriptures and practices. (Yes, the person posting from Israel is correct. You will be inducted into a Hindu meditation method through a religious service without any prior explanation.) In fact it's the secretiveness and promises of more esoteric knowledge to come that is one aspect of the organization that keeps people hanging on for more. The worldwide school is under the guidance of a Hindu swami. In all the time I was there I never once studied Plato, only the Hindu scriptures. You will be required to dress and behave in a particular way (sexist), to serve the organization, and will be subjected to group pressure. The school will become your life, to the exclusion of other family obligations. There has been a great deal of abuse of adults and children in the past. I think they're trying to avoid that kind of coercion now as it got bad press. If and when you decide to leave, all your 'friends' are required to shun you.
One thing you will learn: discipline and obedience. If self-renunciation is what you want to learn, there are many places and traditions in this world that teach it. SoPP does not have a monopoly on happiness and unselfishness. Those who feel weird about the propaganda-ish feel of it all should trust their intuition.
I too was introduced to the SoPP by a co-worker in a very underhan ded and convincing way about how much happiness can be derived from taking the classes. I found the members to be very skeptical of newcomers and very hesitant to let newcomers into their "social" clicks which met every night for a few drinks after class. I felt very uncomfortable after the first few classes and ceased attending after only 1 semester. Something did feel very wrong about the teachings of the school as I was led to believe that it would an extension of my legimate studies of philospohy from an accredited and very well established university from where I earned a B.A. in Philosophy. I really was disappointed by the experience. Those who get a bad feeling about this school should defintely trust their instincts.
Shelbee
I attended my first class at the intro to practical philosophy 10 week course last week. I had seen it advertised for about a year now and it interested me as I wanted to learn about basic philosophy.
But the minute I arrived I had a strange feeling about the people running the course - they were like stepford people!! The tutor talked over people and although said he was open to discuss, you could tell that he was not open minded at all. My instincts led me to do a bit of online research and found out I am not the only one to think this - they have history!
The class was not an introduction to philosophy at all and although I have only attended one class I am tempted to not continue and ask for my money back - I feel tricked!!
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