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History
Find out more about the origins and the history of the School in the 7 minute video below.
History timeline
1937
School History
School Founded
Henry George School of Economics founded in London by Leon MacLaren. It was renamed the School of Economic Science in 1942.
1954
First Philosophy Courses
Philosophy Courses
First series of Philosophy courses offered, developed from the teachings of Ouspensky and Gurdjieff.
1957
Overseas Schools
First Overseas Schools
First overseas school established in Wellington, NZ. Since then associated schools have opened in North America, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malta, S Africa, Spain, Trinidad and Venezuela.
1959
Meditation
Meditation
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi visits the UK, bringing the next stage of development, Meditation.
1965
Meetings
Meetings
First of many meetings of Leon MacLaren and Shri Shantananda Saraswati.
1983
Courses in Dorset & Hampshire
Courses in Wessex
Philosophy courses first offered in....
1994
Mr MacLaren passes away
New Senior Tutor
Mr MacLaren passes away. Mr Donald Lambie succeeds him as Senior Tutor.
1997
Shri Shantananda passes away
New Teacher
Shri Shantananda passes away. First meeting with Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati.
1997
School name change
School name changed
The name of the school is changed to the School of Philosophy and Economic Science.
How it works on our educational courses
A tutor presents material, and leads a discussion based on what arises. Being practical rather than academic, the emphasis is on personal knowledge. Students are encouraged neither to accept nor reject the ideas put forward, but to test them in practice for themselves, in the light of their own experience.
Frequently asked questions
The course is practical in the sense that it takes philosophical ideas and shows how they can be of direct use in our everyday lives. The intention is to stimulate enquiry and through this expand the way we look at the world and ourselves.
Online by selecting the course and location you wish to enrol on, add to cart and then checkout. Alternatively you can email [email protected]
If you register online, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt and the start date of the course for your first days attendance. If you register by any means other than online, you will receive a receipt confirming your registration.
No, all you need is an open and enquiring mind. The course is intended for everyone, regardless of education, occupation, race, political or religious belief.
First you need to enrol on a course. The in-person courses are available in Chichester, Poole and Southampton. Local maps can be found on this page. Other local venues are also available up and down the UK.
If you have any questions simply call us on 07808 931241 or by emailing [email protected]
What some of our students say...
“Absolutely loving the course!!"
“Absolutely loving the course!! …Really changing how I think about things and life in general.”
“...I am benefiting greatly ..."
“...I am benefiting greatly from the content and the practical nature of it. Thank you, it is enriching my life.”
"Lovely people with a strong sense of why learning is valuable at any stage in life."
"I started off with the Introduction to Practical Philosophy during the first lockdown and can honestly say it was a lifesaver."
"Have thoroughly enjoyed the introductory course and the daily awareness exercise practice. "
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“I feel more relaxed...”
“The daily awareness exercises … have changed my thinking and I feel more relaxed about situations in the media and other aspects of my daily life.”
"...helped me..."
"The knowledge and experience that I have gained from the philosophy classes has helped me to discover more about myself and better prepare for dealing with life's daily surprises and challenges."
Introductory Practical Philosophy Courses
Please select your preferred local course location below...
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Sale!
CoursesPoole Introductory Practical Philosophy Course – Tue 21st January 2025
Original price was: £75.00.£60.00Current price is: £60.00. Add to basket
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Sale!
CoursesChichester Introductory Practical Philosophy Course (Wed 22 January 2025)
Original price was: £75.00.£60.00Current price is: £60.00. Add to basket