The school of practical philosophy Malta
About us
our story
A few words about us.
L-Iskola tal-Filosofija Prattika is a non-profit organisation that conducts philosophy courses for the benefit of whoever is interested regardless of background or religious belief. Classes are and have always been conducted orally and the approach is non-academic.
The school runs on a voluntary basis and no one receives any remuneration for tutoring. Everything is done in the spirit of service.
The school is associated with other schools of practical philosophy around the world. In Malta, the school has been offering courses for adults and children for over forty years and is now based in Valletta, the capital city of Malta.
The philosophy sessions promote free inquiry and observation together with guided practice in one’s personal journey towards realizing truth. One of the aims of the school is to show that wisdom and truth are available for all to use, all the time. Moreover, truth always works and philosophy is a way to truth itself.
The school has its roots in the London based School of Economic Science, founded in 1937 by Mr. Leon MacLaren. Initially his main aim was to address society’s economic problems with justice. Thus, the early studies tried to see how economic justice might be achieved through a sound and fair system of taxation and an equitable distribution of wealth.
Hence, the school took up the study of economics and the natural laws governing human society but soon, it started looking at philosophic traditions that could offer deeper answers to its inquiry. From then on, philosophy became the main focus of Mr. MacLaren’s school.
To this day, philosophy remains the central subject in the school and forms the essential reference for all other studies.
In 1961, Mr. MacLaren, made contact with Shri Shantananda Saraswati, one of the leading figures of an ancient philosophical and spiritual tradition in India. Their subsequent meeting in 1965 opened up a very significant new dimension to the school’s studies and practices.
Guidance was received from Shri Shantananda Saraswati on the study of the ancient philosophical and scriptural writings of India, which form the basis of the philosophy called Advaita Vedanta, and on the practice of meditation. This philosophy is now the foundation of the philosophical teaching presented by the school.
During the 1970s various other study groups were established, covering such areas as calligraphy, dance, education, music, Plato, language and Vedic mathematics.
Mr. Donald Lambie has succeeded Mr. MacLaren in the leadership of the school since the latter’s demise in 1994.
Our aim
The school encourages students following its courses to look closely at what different philosophic traditions offer to meet humanity’s fundamental questions about itself and the world.
The aim of the school is to discover the vital essence of philosophy. The school proposes testing the validity of traditional wisdom in daily life. All aspects of life can be investigated using this hands-on method. A deeper experience of life is made available to all.
The school has been active in Malta for over forty years and is one of a number of similar schools that can be found in many countries around the world.
Our courses in practical philosophy are usually offered three times a year in October, January and April.