Philosophy
{Gk. filosofia [philosophia]} Literally, love of wisdom. Hence, careful thought about the fundamental nature of the world, the grounds for human knowledge, and the evaluation of human conduct. As an FPA discipline, philosophy's chief branches include the appropriate aims and methods that relate to the experiences of the human person. Through a love for wisdom and an appreciation for the Good, the True, the Just and the Beautiful, FPA's mind and heart unite in search for the divine Ground.
Faculty of Philosophy
FPA's Faculty of Philosophy is a distinquished centre for philosophy. Professional philosophers and searchers for meaning work together in various Universities and colleges, research groups and within the larger global community, between them covering a vast range of subjects within philosophy. Many are international leaders in their fields. The Faculty of Philosophy is the first department of philosophy in the world, officially dedicated to the flow of presence and is widely recognized to be fresh in Spirit.FPA's Vision in the light of Socrates and Plato
Socrates (circa 470–399 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy. The most important source of information concerning Socrates are Plato's writings. Plato's dialogues portray Socrates as a magnificent teacher and speaker. The 'Gadfly' of Athens is a wise man, a man of reason and logic, going around 'asking the questions'. He is an intuitive searcher, who obeys the promptings of the divine spirit, by attuning himself to a voice from within, to a 'Centre', to a 'flowing presence' moving in his consciousness.Being an honest man, a man of piety and righteousness, however, he could not, nor did he want to, save his life, if 'saving' meant to betray his own most personal and deepest self. Teaching people to 'Know Thyself!', awakening them from their slumbers, uncovering the 'window dressing' of politicians and stirring up the comfort zone of so called 'important people', lead to an unavoidable and unwanted clash with the State.
Socrates was, as ordered by the court, forced to drink the poison hemlock for the 'crimes' he had (not) committed. Plato was deeply affected, seeing the injustice of putting an innocence man to death. Socrates' answer in this unusual and most difficult situation, is profound and simple: "If you kill a man like me, you will injure yourselves more than you will harm me!'
During his life, Socrates devoted himself, in pursuit of the Good, to the education of people, especially the young. Some would say he not only founded Western philosophy, but witnessed with his life what a love of wisdom means, and how one should practise philosophy on a day-to-day basis, namely by asking the questions. As a philosopher dedicated to the flowing presence, he is one of the Ancient founding fathers of the FPA and a marvelous inspiration for the ongoing search for meaning and purpose in our lives today.
Dr. Meins G. S. Coetsier
director