Philosophical Counselling/Practice and Philosophy as a Way of Life - discussion on 25 February at 15:30, open invitation
Anne Verhoef
Philosophical Counselling/Practice and Philosophy as a Way of Life have seen a recent resurgence, with several anticipated forthcoming publications, including a The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy as a Way of Life (Oxford University Press) and Gerd Achenbach’s second translated book, On Right in Wrong: Toward a Philosophy-Inspired Artisanal Approach to Life (Bloomsbury Academic). Within this broader context, growing interest has emerged in South African philosophical counselling and the role of African philosophy within philosophy as a way of life. This has given rise to a series of interrelated questions: What might philosophical counselling mean in African contexts? Is there such a thing as South African philosophical counselling? Do South African contexts shape the way philosophical counselling is practiced? Is there a need for philosophical counselling in South Africa, and if so, what forms might it take? What ethical question arise when practicing philosophical counselling in this context?
The first discussion on philosophical counselling in 2026 (after a short hiatus) aims both to introduce these questions and to lay the groundwork for a workshop/symposium to be held in June 2026. The overarching theme will be guided by the provisional workshop/symposium title: Thinking about philosophical counselling/practice and philosophy as a way of life from a South African place (broadly understood). A special issue of Philosophical Practice (Journal of the APPA) focussing on Philosophical Counselling and (South) Africa is currently being planned for papers presented at the workshop/symposium.
This initial meeting (and the subsequent workshop/symposium) is intended for philosophers, philosophical counsellors/practitioners, scholars working in African philosophy, postgraduate students, and others with an interest in philosophical counselling/practice and philosophy as a way of life.
The first meeting, taking place on the 25th of February 2026 from 15:30 to 17:30, will introduce the workshop/symposium but also its broad scope and potential directions. It also aims to identify potential participants and speakers, including those interested in delivering papers or presentation ideas. The workshop/symposium will not be limited to formal presentations but is conceived as a space for sustained discussion on philosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life in South Africa. Link for the meeting: Join the meeting now Teams Meeting ID: 343 345 188 932 Passcode: qUC3vi
Regards
Dr Jaco Louw & Prof Anné Verhoef
Latest publication: Happiness, Unhappiness and Chance
Prof Anné H. Verhoef DTh (SU Stell.) PhD (VU Amst.)
Director: NWU Artificial Intelligence Hub
Professor in Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities
North-West University
South Africa
Tel: 018 299 1569
Artificial Intelligence | services.nwu.ac.za
Anné Hendrik Verhoef (researchgate.net)
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