Information Density: School of Philosophy and Economic Science – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

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[H2] courses

& events

[H3] Discovering Wisdom in Everyday Life

A complete programme of courses rooted in classical wisdom and practical enquiry, designed to awaken clarity, deepen understanding, and bring philosophy into daily life.

[H3] Introductory Economics with Justice

This 10-session course takes economics as a human subject, the study of relationships between individuals, institutions and communities, based on human values.Each session features a topic designed to encourage discussion and reflection.

COURSE DETAILS

[H3] Practical Philosophy 1: Wisdom

Do any of us really know who we are? Through Practical Philosophy we seek understanding not through theory, but from our own direct experience. Living life to the full.Ten weeks to start getting to know who you really are.

SEE THE NEXT COURSE!

[H3] The Annual Language Lecture 2026

Warwick Jessup will launch 'Dispassion', a newly-translated Sanskrit philosophical work. Saturday 06 June, 11am. At Hinde Street Methodist Church and Online. All are welcome.

book now

[H3] Waterperry Retreat Programme 2025/26

A programme of residential retreats covering a whole host of fascinating subjects.Designed for those who are attending a retreat for the first time, as well those who have enjoyed our events before.

see all the retreats

[H3] Sanskrit courses for students

Introductory Sanskrit is offered to those students on Philosophy courses in the School who have no knowledge of Sanskrit. Those Philosophy students with some knowledge may join at the appropriate level of the Foundation Course.

learn more

get to know us

[H2] About Us

Find out more about our organisation, our origins and principles.

[H3] principles & practices

The School has adopted various working principles with the aim of protecting the integrity of its work and the welfare of its students.

[H3] tutors

All of our tutors are volunteers, giving their time willingly to pass on what they've learnt at the School. Meet some of them here.

[H3] about the school

Here you can see a timeline of some key events in our history, and a film about our origins.

[H3] venue hire

See our elegant, versatile venues for hire.
London | Oxfordshire | Loughborough

[H2] Learn in the way

that suits you

At the School of Philosophy and Economic Science, our courses are designed to fit around modern life. You can choose to study online or in person.We offer face-to-face classes across multiple locations in the UK, as well as international centres overseas, creating a diverse and welcoming learning community. Our online courses make it possible to take part wherever you are in the world, while still engaging deeply with tutors and fellow students.Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning or the richness of in-person discussion, our courses provide a supportive environment for thoughtful study and practical reflection.

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UK Locations

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Overseas Schools

[H2]
Principles &
Practices

[H2] Principles & Practices
The School has adopted various working principles with the aim of protecting the integrity of its work and the welfare of its students. These include the following:

The intent of the School is that everyone attending, however long or short their stay, will find something of value in their lives

All are welcome to sample what the School has to offer through the introductory courses, and to continue further with their studies if so inclined

All tutors continue to be students of philosophy in the School

Course fees are used to enable the School to continue offering its courses to as many people as possible and are kept to a practical minimum. Fees do not cover capital expenditure, which is made possible by donations, loans and legacies from students with the means to contribute in this way

The School is a registered educational charity, regulated by the Charity Commission in England and Wales and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in Scotland.

Students are asked not to indulge in criticism of others, but to practise tolerance and respect towards fellow students

On the organisational side, the legally constituted body is known as the Fellowship of the School of Economic Science. This is made up of some 240 students who become Fellowship members through a process of nomination and, if appropriate, formal acceptance.

All matters relating to tutoring are led by the Senior Tutor, Donald Lambie. He decides the direction and content of course material and studies, deals with the appointment of tutors and other related issues.

Tutors give their time for free.

[H2]
Meditation

The picture above is of the lake in the Himalayas which, according to legend, the swan flies to and feeds on pearls of bliss. Meditation helps us to discover the pearls of bliss hidden deep within the heart.The aim of meditation is to connect with deeper realms of being within oneself. It makes it possible to find rest, to recharge oneself and meet life with greater energy and happiness. “Through meditation I feel a connection to the wider universe around ‘me’ and more and more begin to experience an inner peace which I can keep returning to regardless of the tumult in my own head and in the world around me.” - University administratorMeditation is not a quick fix. Slowly but steadily it works to transform life. “Meditation is the single most useful thing I ever came across. Over time its practice has helped me to see the movements of my mind more clearly, free from my ideas about them. In my experience it eliminates fear and produces freedom to act more naturally.” - Design engineerStudents in the School have been practising mantra meditation for over 60 years.Throughout that time, invaluable advice has been received from two great exponents of non-dual philosophy and meditation, Shri Shantananda Saraswati and his successor, Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati.
The system of meditation is not religious. It is designed for the human spirit which is not bound to any religion.
[H2] — Shri Shantananda Saraswati
The meditation is introduced in a traditional way. Students are asked to make a donation, which is how it has been possible to make it available for over 60 years. The advised sum presently is £150. This may be less in case of hardship or more if desired. The intention is that the donation be generous, according to people’s circumstances.Students in the School are introduced to the practice in the second year, or earlier if they wish. After the second year, meditation, as introduced in the School, is a necessary part of the ongoing philosophy courses as it helps to give deeper experience of the ideas discussed.

[H2]
Events

stay up to date with our upcoming retreats, courses and events!

Saturday 06 June
[H2] The Annual Language Lecture 2026
Warwick Jessup will launch 'Dispassion', a newly-translated Sanskrit philosophical work. All are welcome. Saturday 06 June, 11am. At Hinde Street Methodist Church and Online.
Book now

Saturday 20 June 2026
[H2] Japanese Zen Poetry Evening
This gathering invites you to immerse yourself in the Wisdom and Beauty of the Japanese Zen Masters, to experience clarity, awe, connection, and wonder.The evening will include live traditional Japanese music, contemplation, and silence. Interwoven within the live poetry, musicians Keiko Kitamura and Emi Watanabe perform.
limited space - book now

26 - 28 June 2026
[H2] Bhagavad Gītā Online Weekend
At the beginning of Chapter 16, Krishna describes 26 qualities of those with a divine nature - qualities that, in truth, exist within all of us, even if they sometimes seem hidden.Over this weekend, we’ll explore these qualities together through study, discussion, and practice.
FIND OUR MORE

21 - 27 August 2026
[H2] International Economics & Law Conference 2026
This School was born in the search for Truth and Justice in a world of inequity and despair.This conference will address how this challenge can be taken further. Can we formulate a vision of what ‘Justice and Equity for the welfare of humanity’ means, and in ways that inspire and bring hope?
Book now

29 Aug-01 Sept & 03-06 Oct 2026
[H2] Aspects of Light retreats 2026
All are welcome to enjoy these retreats, in which we will practice living together, being fully present, using mindfulness practices and so reducing the concerns of the egoic self. At Nanpantan Hall, we will enjoy the great outdoors.  We will sing, meditate, practice yoga, prepare food, share experiences and relish this most wondrous of natural environments in the best of human company.  Most importantly, there will be space to simply BE STILL and find inner peace.
BOOK NOW

2025/26
[H2] Waterperry Retreat Programme
This programme is designed for those who are attending a retreat with the School for the first time, as well as those who have enjoyed these events before. A packed programme of subjects, running from October 2025 to June 2026.
READ MORE AND BOOK

for Philosophy students worldwide
[H2] Sanskrit Courses
Introductory Sanskrit is offered to those students on Philosophy courses in the School who have no knowledge of Sanskrit. Those Philosophy students with some knowledge may join at the appropriate level of the Foundation Course.
FIND OUR MORE

free Wisdom Works presentations
[H2] Stoic Philosophy As a Way of Life
A free series describing simple principles and practices to meet the demands of modern life. Conducted by William Wray, founder of Wisdom Works and Stoic Philosophy as a Way of Life, with the aid of those who have applied these principles in their own lives.
SIGN UP

[H2] This Sacred Land
This Sacred Land is an imaginative, multiyear initiative by the School of Philosophy and Economic Science and its branches across Great Britain.
LEARN MORE

Free sessions
[H2] Philosophy Café
Every Friday during term-time. Register to take part.
MORE INFORMATION