School of Philosophy & Economic Science

This Friday at Philosophy Café we welcome back William Wray, who will be speaking on:

Living in Harmony with Nature

William has written a number of books on philosophical themes, including works on the major traditions, the philosophy of Leonardo, and the practical relevance of Platonic thinking.

His talk has grown out of his current Stoic course and his recent exploration of the work of Dr Jude Currivan, the eminent cosmologist who will be presenting to his class next Wednesday evening. William has been struck by how modern cosmology appears to be moving ever closer to the Advaitic vision that there is an underlying unity behind the apparent diversity of creation.

The Stoics taught that the purpose of life is to live in accordance with Nature.

But what does that mean today?

Is nature simply the world around us, or does it also include our own Nature, our relationships, and our place in the whole - the cosmos itself?

William will explore how we might live cosmically, in harmony with Nature.

Visit the website to register for free https://schoolofphilosophy.org/pages/philosophy-cafe

The Power of Plato in Today’s Schools

How can Plato help disadvantaged young people in the Bronx? Many of the children at Vertex are underprivileged - what part does Plato play in their education?
Ian V Rowe was speaking at the book launch of the new translation of Plato's Dialogues by Dr David Horan on 5th March 2026 in New York.
Ian is Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is also founder of the Vertex Partnership Academies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEosczB8LNw

The Power of Plato in Today's Schools How can Plato help disadvantaged young people in the Bronx? Many o...

Apologies if you missed us this morning at our Awareness Live session. We hope you can join us next week at our usual time. Wednesdays at 8.30am.

The Summer of Sanskrit returns, where we’ll highlight some beautiful and thought-provoking Sanskrit words.

We’ll start with: विद्या (vidyā)

Vidya is often translated simply as “knowledge”, but it means something deeper than information.

From the Sanskrit root vid (“to know”, “to see”), vidyā suggests a kind of understanding that transforms the knower, like illumination in the dark.

In many Indian philosophical traditions, the distinction matters. Knowledge that merely fills the mind is different from knowledge that clarifies reality.

Come, hear the woodland linnet,
How sweet the music! On my life,
There’s more of wisdom in it.”
From “The Tables Turned”
William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850)
English Poet

Last week Revered Swami Shutianandaji, vice-president of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, visited Waterperry.

🤩 Great news for those wishing to visit Waterperry House and Waterperry Gardens on weekends and bank holidays between 13 June and 30 August!

EXCITING NEWS: Oxford Bus Company has partnered with Waterperry Gardens to provide a New Shuttle Bus. Operating on weekends and bank holidays between Thornhill Park & Ride, Wheatley and Waterperry Gardens.

From 13th June to 30th August 2026 buses will call at all local bus stops on the line of route. For the timetable, visit: www.oxfordbus.co.uk/waterperry-gardens-shuttle-bus