Philosophy, Therapy and Mental Wellbeing

Following Socrates' lead, Plato understood philosophy to be practical, conceiving it as a therapeutics of the soul; this resurfaces in the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Viktor Frankl in modern times. This day explores different dimensions of this tradition with two Irish philosophers and introduces Jules Evans from England, who is flying over to launch his bestselling book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations.

10am-12pm: Dr Stephen J. Costello: philosopher, logotherapist, and Director of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Ireland.

‘Philosophy as Therapy: A Logotherapeutic Reading of Boethius’ The Consolation of Philosophy’.

Dr Costello will speak on how philosophy is a form of therapy and demonstrate this with a reading of Boethius’ classic book from the perspective of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy. Dr Costello is the author of half a dozen books with the most recent being The Ethics of Happiness: An Existential Analysis.

12-1pm: Lunch Break

1-2.30pm: Dr Patrick Quinn: lecturer in philosophy in All Hallows.

‘Ludwig Wittgenstein on  Getting a Clear View: A Philosophical Approach to Language as a Form of Therapy’.

Dr Quinn, who is author of The Philosophy of Religion A-Z,  will address the Austrian philosopher’s view of philosophy being a form of therapy that can cure us from the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.

2.30-3pm: Coffee break.

3-5pm: Jules Evans: Policy director of the Centre for History of the Emotions, Queen Mary University London

‘Philosophy for Life’. for Life’.

Mr Evans will address the central concerns of his book and show how philosophy, and especially the Stoics and CBT, can be applied to everyday situations.

Chair: Dr Angelo Bottone: author of The Philosophical Habit of Mind.


Cost: €25. €15 for students.

(Please pay at door and RSVP to Dr Bottone: [email protected])