Practical Philosophy Program at ISVW Wisdom at Work
The best philosophers of today will teach you the best ideas from the treasure chest of philosophy. You are a driven professional in a wonderful field and you are good at what you do. Yet, lately, you've been running into something. They call it "the system": that bastion of power, rules, and procedures that directly contradicts what it should be about, that undermines your motivation and creates frustration and alienation. This way, you can't move forward.
The history of practical philosophy is a treasure trove of ideas on how to offer a healthy counterbalance to this system and create space for your professional freedom. So that frustration gives way to peace of mind and humor, alienation gives way to value and meaning. Philosophical tools with which you can chisel holes in the wall of the system, so that you can move forward.
In eleven Wednesdays, you will learn ten practical philosophical ideas from classical and modern philosophers, on which you will present your own reflection in the eleventh session. After an introduction by a subject matter expert, you will learn to translate philosophical ideas into concrete, applicable thinking exercises, attitudes, and behaviors that you can put into practice the very next workday. During the next meeting, a month later, we will reflect on how this worked out. Each participant will develop a case study from their own practice into a philosophical portfolio that they will present on the exam day. You already have professionalism; this program teaches you personal leadership as practical wisdom.
With Marlou van Paridon and guest speakers such as Tinneke Beeckman, Paul van Tongeren, Dennis de Gruijter, Marthe Kerkwijk, Ronald van Raak, Laurens ten Kate, and Marli Huijer.
Meeting 8: Power and Discipline, May 6, 2026
Few philosophers have analyzed the workings of power as extensively as Michel Foucault. Much of power takes the form of disciplining: a web of unspoken or stated expectations and norms keeps us in line. Those who don't meet these expectations are punished not by those in power, but by their peers. How do you break through oppressive norms? With Marli Huijer.
When: Wednesday, May 6
Where: ISVW, Leusden (NL)
Tickets and more information: ISVW
Copyright (C) 2026 Marli Huijer.