«Independent thinking does not emerge from a vacuum: our own philosophizing rises as if leaning upon historical figures. In understanding their texts, we ourselves become philosophers. Yet this assimilation, carried out in trustful following, is not obedience. In moving forward together, we experience our own essence»

The Idea of the Course

This is an invitation to touch the inexhaustible riches of philosophical wisdom through your own life, through your own questions. In a sense, despite the predetermined topics, the participants of the program will "play with the white pieces," and philosophy with "the black ones." Your questions, concerns, and pains are the most vital element of this journey. The role of the facilitators is to cultivate a space where the concrete realities of life can meet philosophical depth.

Content

The course draws inspiration from the main philosophical themes and questions, such as:

• What does it mean to think?

• What can I know?

• What is the meaning of life, if there is one at all?

• Is the world divided into two fundamentally different parts—spirit and matter—and if so, how do they coexist?

• What should I do?

• Is there one way of living that is good and another that is bad, or does it not matter how we live?

• What may I hope for?

• Who is human?

However, we allow ourselves to formulate our own questions, approaching the art of inquiry with creativity.

Format

One meeting a week, on Fridays, 17:00–19:00 (Moscow time), online (Zoom). Each meeting includes a brief theoretical introduction, collective reading of short excerpts, and philosophical exercises. Between meetings, there will be texts for self-guided reading and practical tasks. A Telegram group is active for continuous dialogue.

Typically, 4 weeks are dedicated to each theme (module).

Schedule of the Upcoming Module

«What does it mean to think?»

July 31, August 7, 14, and 21, 2026, 17:00–19:00 (Moscow time)

We will turn to Heidegger, Plato, Kant, Hegel, Arendt, and other thinkers.

Facilitators

Sergey Borisov — Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor, Director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Practical and Applied Philosophy at South Ural State University. Specialist in philosophical practice and philosophical counseling.

Nikolay Khmyrov — philosophical practitioner, organizational psychologist, member of the Society for Existential Analysis (SEA), organizing committee member and co-founder of ECCA.

Participation Conditions

Cost of a single session — 1000 ₽ / 10 €.

Cost of the entire module (4 sessions) — 3000 ₽ / 30 €.

Meetings are recorded.

To sign up or ask questions, please send a direct message to Nikolay Khmyrov via @practik_um (Telegram) or email him at estonianik@mail.ru.