The Philosophy Institute: Testimonials

"*Not to be missed.* I had a wonderful experience participating in the class. J.P. set the stage and explained without any fancy jargon the ideas behind opposing philosophical views, relevant to a different question each week. The open, active discussion that followed proved to be very enlightening. The class invited and inspired me to take a closer look at my viewpoints on situations that exist in our culture and in my own life. Thanks J.P.--it was the highlight of my week!"

The Philosophy Institute provides a wonderful forum for digging into the big questions of life. JP makes some very difficult ideas relevant and accessible without dumbing-down, and the chance to share and discuss ideas with people from all walks of life is invaluable. A fascinating and immensely enjoyable class. Thanks JP!

"I very much enjoyed my class Philosophy Institute class on "Meaning in Life" -- it was self-exploration without self-indulgence, a Socratic island in a sound-bite sea. J.P. is a master at gently guiding the class toward that meaningful area where life and thought converge. As a result, I never left the No Exit Cafe without having gained an insight or modified some long-held opinion. The course is perfect for people who are outside of academia and miss the give-and-take of classroom discussion. It allowed me to air out some thoughts that had been in storage for far too long."

"The Philosophy Institute is a community where people of all backgrounds come together to discuss issues of true importance: How does society work? How can people work together? Why am I living my life the way I do? I have found that spending a few hours each week thinking about and discussing these issues is a fantastic diversion from my work week. J.P. does a magnificent job of making very heady ideas easy to understand -- the classes build upon each other so that we can fully explore (and understand!) the range of topics in each course."

J.P. is the most authentic philosopher I know. His knowledge of philosophers from ancient to present times is extensive and he has an amazing gift of making this wisdom accessible to everyone. His passion for living the great questions combined with his humility provides the most wonderful setting for anyone wishing to explore how philosophical ideas are relevant in our world today.

Taking this class was one of the most intellectually satisfying experiences I have had in years! By giving you just enough philosophical reading to serve as a jumping-off point, each class opened up a conversation that delved into the nature of the world we live in and the truth behind the experiences that we have. The discussions from class made me look at everything I did in my day to day life in a new light, relating to a bigger picture. The atmosphere in the class is very welcoming - people were comfortable sharing their diverse experiences and challenging each other in a supportive way to look at things from new angles. A great experience all around!

"At the time I signed up for class at the Philosophy Institute, I was dealing with a father who has Alzheimer's, a mother who was increasingly crippled by arthritis, and a severely mentally retarded sister who was profoundly ill. I wondered how I would find the time to do the readings and attend class, but I was determined to make a little space for myself. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. The class discussions, assigned readings and the leading, thoughtful questions posed by the teacher gave me a much needed perspective to handle some of the things I was going through and a new way to think about things in the future. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking to continue their education in any way, as it lends insight into some of the most fundamental questions facing us in our daily lives."

Mary Spatz

"In J.P.'s classroom, no contribution is a bad one. J.P. does an amazing job of making everybody feel like the thoughts and ideas they bring to the table are valuable ones. I admit, before I went to my first class, I was intimidated by the idea of it all--J.P.'s credentials and education, the intelligence levels of others I knew who had taken the class. I was afraid the conversations would be esoteric...and a bit beyond me. Within minutes of the first class, my anxiety dissolved. J.P. breaks the issues down to everyday language and 21st century life. His style is relaxed, the dialogue is conversational and thought-provoking, and the class is anything but intimidating. I have recommended The Philosophy Institute to all of my friends, and look forward to the next session!"

Erin Hammans

The Philosophy Institute is everyman's answer to philosophy. Whether you have knowledge or no knowledge of philosophy, you will learn from and enjoy this class. JP makes everyone feel at ease and free to make any comments in the discussions. Enough of an overview and background are provided, so that lively conversations can flourish. It is a fun and wonderful experience.

Diane Moses

The Philosophy Institute provides an opportunity for inspiring, enriching and intellectual conversation that is accessible to anyone with little or no knowledge of philosophy. J.P creates a very comfortable environment which allows anyone to contribute as little or as much as they like. The format is terrific because it gives me exposure to lots of different ideas from various readings and philosophers. I've learned so much from this class and the participation and interaction from the class members is great!

Tina DeSalvo

I highly recommend classes at the Philosophy Institute. The two classes I have taken both exceeded my expectations. The instructor, J.P. Rosensweig, is an excellent teacher. He combines a very strong technical philosophy background with an ability to facilitate discussion to create an atmosphere where everyday people feel comfortable contemplating life's greatest questions. Through the assigned readings and class discussions, I have found meaning by connecting with others, learning a great deal about myself, and picking up a little bit of philosophy along the way! It is truly a rare find in today's world.

Matt Wise

After 10 years out of the class room, taking a class at the Philosophy Institute was a great way to find my voice again. I was able to express - in an open, yet safe forum - the continuous thoughts I have about "what it all means". The informal atmosphere was welcoming. I found J.P. to be an exceptional facilitator of discussions, so that everyone had a chance to participate. The things I learned in that class have stayed with me and have had a great impact on my life. I would highly recommend the Philosophy Institute to anyone, regardless of age, education or background. The more variety, the more interesting the conversations!

Carrie Carlson

"The Philosophy Institute brings philosophy and people together to consider the questions and problems of real people and everyday life. The readings made philosophy accessible and the teacher let each class unfold in such a way that we all learned from each other. It was the best class I've ever taken."

Gene Glaudell

I looked forward to J.P's class each week, knowing that he was going to allow for the freedom and space we needed to think for ourselves. We, as a class, passionately used our own stories to make sense of the ideas we were playing with. But J.P. also created subtle structure, weaving back the themes of each reading, and each week I had every confidence that he would impart the essence of what he was teaching us. The class combined an open forum style, with both classic and modern readings in the field, and an overall relaxed atmosphere that helped me feel both at ease and inspired.

Meghan Roekle

J.P.'s class is a true forum for authentic discussion. For me, being a part of that discussion was an experience I can honestly say I will always carry with me and I plan on taking more of his classes for certain!
I participated in the "Meaning of Life" class, summer 2002, and it happened to be a time when I was really searching for a new experience. So I was very happy to find that my classmates represented a great cross-section of the city, a cross-section that I might not otherwise come in contact with in my little Chicago neighborhood. When else was I going to find myself sitting next to an 80-year old man who had lived in the city his whole life and a mid-40's doctor originally from Iraq? Talking about the meaning of life with this type of group was just what I was looking for.
As a teacher, J.P. was undoubtedly a tremendous facilitator who knew just how to keep the discussion moving in an intelligent way. He balanced short reading assignments with in-class topics so the pace was never focused on just one question. And he easily reeled the class in when we would wander off topic.
Every night I left class feeling as if I had not only come to some interesting and new discoveries but more importantly, that I had a whole new set of questions to ask. I believe it is in the questioning that we learn our truest thoughts about something and J.P.'s class gave me the opportunity and the open forum to do just that. I'm very much looking forward to the next class!

"When do we slow down enough to turn over one stone at a time in order to explore the curiosities that lie underneath them? Taking a class at the Philosophy Institute allows you to do just that."

JP is great at making you feel comfortable with material that may be difficult to read or understand. The readings were short and fit into busy work weeks while being thoughtful and relevant to the topic for the class. His thoughtful insights are provocative without being overpowering and lead to free and authentic discussions among all the class members. It was one of the few experiences I have had in which everyone in the class spoke and felt free to voice their opinions. Wonderful experience.

"The nature of the self, the interactions between humans in a society, and the interactions between different cultures are matters that I find too important to ignore. The Philosophy Institute provides a place for discussing these issues in a serious but friendly atmosphere--a dialogue that is instrumental in clarifying one's own thoughts and facing one's own prejudices. The readings and J.P.'s introductory remarks served as an excellent introduction to what some of the greatest thinkers had to say about these matters. But at the same time, J.P. maintained an atmosphere that encouraged us to question their ideas and indeed our own cherished assumptions as to what is true and what is of value. I would recommend the Philosophy Institute for anyone who is interested in confronting the important issues in life--not as an academic exercise, but in order to face an inescapable reality."

"These classes have moved philosophy into the world for me. My resources for examining my orientations and life choices have been genuinely expanded. This is philosophy that is useful for living."

"The Philosophy Institute continues to be an important force in my life. It has helped to shape the way I view the world. Through guided discussion, we have taken into consideration culture, evolution, societal expecta- tions, how we view ourselves, and how we interact with others, and how these factors affect our thoughts, reactions, feelings and actions. It has made me more aware of my own habits and more thoughtful in my daily living. I am grateful to J.P. for creating his vision of the ideal way to study and use philosophy and for his eagerness to guide others on their journeys into philosophy."

"Through the Philosophy Institute, JP has provided an honest forum for discussing the inescapable problems that accompany simply being alive. His genuine, sincere interest and keen ability to clearly articulate various pertinent angles of philosophy as they relate to our peculiar, often ridiculous world are like nothing I have ever encountered. The conundrum of life seems at best impossible-- fortunately, by way of candid, urgent consideration and thought, the Philosophy Institute and JP's unique, pointedly earnest manner of discussion curb the sometimes absolute absurdity of it."

"I left each class with new ideas, questions, and challenges that guided me to personal development and a deeper understanding of life"

"If you've ever asked yourself, 'What does it all mean?' or simply, ‘Why the hell am I doing this?', The Philosophy Institute is for you. The balanced and carefully selected readings illuminate the moral questions that cross our daily lives, and the forum provided for discussion and analysis renders philosophy, a field which occasionally is tainted by irrelevant academic jargon, fresh and vital. The life of the mind is for everyone. Art and ideas do matter: our haiku need not be a billboard slogan, nor our principles pre-packaged."

The Philosophy Institute class helped me to think more deeply about meaningful issues. J.P. presents philosophy as a tool for understanding our lives rather than as a status symbol. He is an excellent discussion facilitator who knows how to lead a discussion without dominating it. I highly recommend his classes.

Each of us needs a place where we can safely converse about life's philosophical questions, and in turn deepen our own understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. The Philosophy Institute's open and casual class setting is the ideal place for a diversity of ideas to flourish, and our own answers to be realized.

"I was struggling. What should I do? I joined the class hoping to gain clarity on this question. My scientific education had revealed many truths but I still had thirst for understanding the big questions. JP guided us on a philosophical journey; we gained insights from many influential thinkers. We gained understanding when we shared our perspectives and listened to others. My thirst remains, but I gained a little wisdom, gained a little humility and now I know we cannot know.
     Facing these big questions invoked many emotions. I felt unstable, I felt a freak, I felt alone. JP provided a container where we could share our feelings. Empathy from the class and for the class helped validate these feeling and helped me feel connected.
     I am still struggling. Now, I know I am alone, but I am not alone it knowing this. Still not sure what I should do, but I am excited to choose what I can do.
     See you at the next class.

"The course turned philosophy that I had previously perceived to be ethereal and inaccesible into something I now incorporate into how I go about my daily life. J.P.s laid back approach to presenting the topics combined with an unpretentious, small group discussion atmosphere made the course each week something I was looking forward to attending. I would recommend these courses to anyone that has had an interest in philosophy but thought it was too scary to get into or wants to get a new perspective on how they can look at their life."

"J.P.'s class provides an interesting philosophical framework for the dilemmas and decisions--large and small--we encounter everyday. I've often found myself reflecting on our group's discussions when evaluating my own choices and priorities."

"The class I took was time well spent - learning, discussing, being challenged to consider different points of view, finding out that there are people out there who think about the same things you do, and learning about myself. A real adventure"

Ajit D. Marathe

"The class bridged philosophy and moral commentary, which made ideas come alive. J.P. rocks!!"

"The class helped me make the connection between philosophy and how I live my daily life."

"I hesitate to call this personal growth, because the personal growth industry has given the term a bad name. Nevertheless, in most of daily living, you don't get to be yourself. There are expectations that you will strive to be "normal", to fit in, to not question who you really are. These classes, however, provide a forum where you are encouraged, with the help of the wisdom of 2,500 years of philosophy, to ask questions about what it means to be yourself."

"J.P.'s classes are a great way to discuss meaningful ideas and meet meaningful people."

"JP's classes are interesting as well as informative. His selection of readings brings about thought provoking questions that relate to everyday life. You leave each class feeling empowered. I look forward to the next 8 week session."