Philosophy doesn’t begin in theories - it begins in moods.
Perplexity, wonder, and doubt are not distractions. They are where the search for living well begins.
Are you in the mood for philosophy? It may sound like a strange question. After all, philosophy is often thought of as abstract - detached from real life, emotion, and purely intellectual.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
If we look closely, philosophy often begins in lived emotional experiences. Socrates saw perplexity as the starting point of thought. Plato was stirred by disruption. Aristotle began with wonder. Descartes was gripped by doubt. Many later thinkers reflected on estrangement—the feeling of not being at home in the world—or on existential anxiety as a gateway to deeper reflection.
These moods are not distractions from philosophy—they are its birthplace. And for these philosophers, they were never an end in themselves. Rather, they were openings: ways of getting perspective, making sense of life, and moving toward a deeper form of living. At its best, philosophy has always been about living well—about flourishing, cultivating excellence, and finding ways to be more fully human.
In these workshops, we’ll explore the key emotional experiences that have shaped the thinking of great philosophers. More importantly, we’ll reflect on our own experiences—those unsettling, questioning, or illuminating moods that invite us to think differently. We’ll develop ways of working with these moods so they can help us put life into perspective, open up new possibilities, and support personal transformation and healing.
Steven works with individuals and groups.