Filosofisch consulentschap: zwarte doos van Pandora?

Abstract

Though a recent phenomenon, philosophical counseling has a long history. Secularization and the remaining influence of the Enlightenment motto 'think for yourself' are only two of the factors that facilitate the current revival of the ancient Greek view of philosophy as a way of life. Despite its worldwide success, philosophical counseling lacks a clear profile. There is surprisingly little consensus among counselors about the aim or method of their practice. The authors of this article claim that the ambiguous relation to psychotherapy and the one-dimensional relation to academic philosophy jeopardize the future of philosophical counseling. After providing a historical background and a critical description of current practices within philosophical counseling, they suggest a way out of its identity crisis.