Philosophy in coaching

Philosophy is traditionally the art of living, that is, practice. Since it thinks about man and about language at the same time, it is also theory.

Both aspects help with life coaching. The bridge between the two poles is the conversation, or more precisely, the dialogue. The goal should be a modern form of art of living, where values are aligned with goals and a self-determined life is led.

With the help of philosophy, life goals can be formulated more clearly in life coaching, if you follow the traditional art of living. Conflicts in communication become solvable through value-free dialogue, and a self-determined life turns recognition of others into recognition of oneself.

 

Philosophy, the school of Athens, fresco

Practice

Traditional art of living

People in ancient times cultivated a popular art of living that combined the lightness of being with a philosophical art of living aimed at a conscious approach to life.

Nowadays, philosophically speaking, life and art are no longer so strongly connected, which led the French philosopher Michel Foucault to say that it is astonishing that art has become something that concerns objects, but not individuals or life.

Nevertheless, there are still people who live more hedonistic lives. Some put pleasure at the center of life, others want to achieve happiness through reflection or meditation. Only the paths to the goal are different.

 

Theory

broadens the horizon and explains thoughts

Philosophy emphasizes the complexity of the world, thus broadens the horizon by putting thoughts together and encouraging reflection.

It also creates order in the mind: The thoughts lead to a logical analysis of language, rhetorical stylistic devices elevates philosophy to oratory, it explains.

“Thoughts without content are empty, views without concepts
are blind.” Immanuel Kant: KRV

Philosophy, Gustav Courbet, man on beach

Dialog

Think independently and gain insights

In philosophy, the focus is traditionally on (Socratic) dialogue, which is intended to make clear the connection between thought and language. Socratic dialogue is about arguing through independent thought and gaining insight, not about persuasion as in dispute or discussion.

Unlike philosophical practice, philosophical dialogue in life coaching supports but is not the guiding principle. However, it can be deepened if desired. The dialogue in Life Coaching thus enriches the view of the world and at the same time promotes mental and emotional abilities via the path of logical thinking. Rhetorical stylistic devices help improve communication skills.

 

Modern art of living

Aim of the philosophy in life coaching

Philosophy in Life Coaching means an orientation towards the classical conception of the art of living, such as the ability to reflect and the application of virtues (called “strengths” in Life Coaching). In order to create a modern art of living, it is helpful to introduce some terms from psychology. To avoid an emptiness of meaning, positive feelings are a good complement for philosophy.

We can speak of value happiness when values such as self-determination and freedom are consciously recognized and lived. This fulfillment has a long-term impact on life. Plato and Aristotle speak of eudaimonic happiness in this context.

We talk about well-being happiness when the pleasant (hedonistic) life is preferred, when things are sought that do immediate good, such as good food or wellness. It’s about moments when you feel very good (in the short term).

The modern art of living could be the right measure between these two forms of happiness.

Being a life artist is not so much about living a beautiful or successful life, according to philosopher Wilhelm Schmidt. He sees it much more prosaically, namely as the task of overcoming difficulties and tackling challenges. By this he means that happiness cannot be determined by positive feelings alone and that resilience is required. Working on this resilience is precisely the job of a life coach.

Philosophy, Beach, Book