Philosophy Salon: Existentialism as Therapy?

Emmy van Deurzen is one of the world’s most respected existential therapists and founder of the Existential Movement, which aims to “make existential ideas available to the wider public in order to help people achieve greater clarity in their reflection on human existence and in solving their personal and emotional problems.”

Her new book, Beginning to Live, advocates a way of being which enables us all to find a more engaged way of living that is purposeful, deliberate and buoyant. But to what extent can philosophical ideas and arguments promote well-being or happiness? Isn’t philosophy for steely-eyed honesty, not therapy? Joining Emmy and host Julian Baggini is Jonathan Webber, Professor of Philosophy at Cardiff University and editor of The Penguin Book of Existentialist Philosophy. After a break for you to get a drink and gather your thoughts, the second half will be led by your questions and contributions.