The School of Practical Philosophy in Gauteng:

The School of Practical Philosophy, Johannesburg, started in 1958. It is a branch of the School of Economic Science, which was founded in London in 1937. Since then the School of Economic Science has flourished, and there are now over forty branches throughout the UK, and fifteen affiliated schools around the world.

A student of the early school and a Reuters reporter, Mr. Henri Schoup, was posted to Johannesburg by his employer. In his spare time he started and ran the affiliated School in Johannesburg. In the course of his work he was the first 'outsider' to discover and report on the Sharpeville massacre - for which he was immediately deported. He moved to Holland and there started another branch of the School.

The School in Johannesburg has had a significant membership since then, and has offered three foundation philosophy courses per year for many years. The School's centre is in Berg Street, Jeppestown, but has other centres in Pretoria and Lenasia. Courses are also offered at venues in Kempton Park and Sandton.

It is natural to philosophy (literally, the love of wisdom) to enrich society. These days moral and ethical standards are falling, marriage vows are being ignored, family values disintegrating, educational standards falling and selfishness and greed increasing. The School of Practical Philosophy is engaged in several social enrichment projects. This not only benefits society, but provides students with practical situations in which they can learn to overcome their own inhibitions and limitations by serving others without claim or vested interest. The School has always been run by the students, for the students. All participation is voluntary and unpaid.

Branches of the School in South Africa are:

Gauteng:

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Lenasia

KwaZulu-Natal:

• Durban
• Pietermaritzburg
• Isipingo

Western Cape:

• Cape Town (www.philosophyschool.com)