Philosophy and Mental Health
Anxiety, worry, emptiness and self-doubt are among the most common troubles of the modern mind. Psychology offers many techniques, but the root of much distress lies not in our feelings as such, but in how we understand ourselves and the world. Thought has the power to change the state of the mind: once we see clearly, many fears simply fall away.
This series approaches mental health through philosophy. The first step is to know yourself: the words inscribed at Delphi remain the starting point of all health of the mind. Human beings are finite. We fail, we age, we lose. Yet we are not merely finite: the human spirit can think the infinite, grasp the eternal, and realize the infinite within the finite. Anxiety often comes from identifying ourselves entirely with our finite situation, taking a passing gain or loss for the whole. Understand the dialectic of finitude and infinity, and you will find firm ground to stand on even in difficult times.
We will discuss the nature of anxiety and worry, fear and hope, solitude and the self, where a sense of meaning comes from, how to make peace with the past, and how to face an uncertain future. This is not comfort food for the soul. It is clear thinking, meant to give you a stronger, calmer and freer mind.