Philosophy Café

Held online via Zoom. Facilitated by Peter Whitfield

Next Philosophy Café is on 11 July 2025

This is the last Café of the term. The Café will be returning on Friday 03 October 2025.

Scroll down for topic information.

Register to take part and receive information about upcoming topics.


A weekly get together of like minded people, who want to engage or recharge their interest in the practical benefits of studying philosophy.

Free drop-in sessions on Zoom, no need to attend every week. You will need to register, please click here to register. 

  • Weekly topics taken from the philosophy courses with a focus on Practical Philosophy, and what works in ‘my’ life.

  • Breakout rooms are allocated to allow time to meet and discuss ideas in smaller groups

  • Participants are encouraged neither to accept nor reject ideas, but to keep an open mind to discover what might be useful. 

  • We will use the four principles of platonic dialogue.

Platonic dialogue

  1. Truth is the goal
  2. Be willing to be refuted
  3. Listen with full attention; give space to the other person, don’t monopolize the stage – everyone’s voice is important
  4. Ask questions
Peter Whitfield

Peter Whitfield has been teaching the introductory courses in Philosophy for over 30 years. His love of great stories and belief in an eternal wisdom that provides practical help to live life fully, truly and happily has helped thousands of students.

The Introductory Philosophy course has transformed so many lives and the Philosophy Café  is an opportunity for anyone, current students, past students, family or friends to come along and be inspired. 

With Peter’s facilitation, the Friday night Philosophy café promises to be a new, flourishing event. Come along, be a participant and Find Yourself, in good company.

Session Times:

7pm London (Friday)
7pm Sydney (Friday) / 10am London

This weeks topic: 11 July - Stretch, Breathe, Meditate - Patanjali's 8 Steps to Peace

Did you know that a 2025 article from Sci-Tech Today notes that as of 2023, over 300 million individuals globally engage in yoga?       

This popularity speaks volumes - not just about flexibility, but about a growing desire for peace, focus, and clarity in everyday life.

And it all started with Patanjali, a sage believed to have lived sometime between the 2nd century BCE and the 4th century CE. He codified the wisdom of yoga into a system known as the Yoga Sūtras, outlining eight practical steps - or 'limbs' - to live a meaningful and awakened life:

1.  Yama – ethical disciplines

2.  Niyama – personal observances

3.  Asana – physical postures

4.  Pranayama – breath control

5.  Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses

6.  Dharana – concentration

7.  Dhyana – meditation

8.  Samadhi – peace bliss

 

This week at the Café, we’ll explore these eight limbs - not just the postures, but the powerful inner practices that support them. We’ll share a few gentle movements, try a bit of breathwork and focused attention, and perhaps discover a moment of stillness and self-love along the way.

 It’s our final session before the break (we return Friday 03 October 2025), so come as you are - curious, tired, flexible or not - and we’ll meet together in practice and reflection.