For much of history, philosophy has meant more than intellectual debate. It has been a way of life — a practice of wisdom to guide how we live, work and relate to each other. Yet in modern times, especially in the West, philosophy is often treated as a purely academic pursuit, disconnected from everyday concerns.
In this session, Aamir Kaderbhai, PhD candidate at Oxford, will share his research on how Asian traditions, particularly from India, can help restore philosophy as a living practice. Mindfulness is one example of an eastern idea that has entered the mainstream, but often in a diluted form, offered as a remedy for stress without its deeper roots.
Aamir will explore how these traditions might offer more: ways to re-imagine philosophy not just as argument, but as practice, as community, and as a search for wiser ways of living in turbulent times.
If you would like to read some of Aamir’s recent reflections on this topic, you can do so here.