About Us

Our Story & Mission

A school devoted to the life of the mind, rooted in the classical tradition and committed to philosophical inquiry as a living practice.

Founded on Conviction

Philosophia School was established in 2018 in Adelaide, South Australia, by a small group of scholars who shared a conviction: that philosophy, properly taught, is indispensable to a thoughtful and well-lived life. Our founders had witnessed the gradual marginalisation of humanities education in Australian universities and resolved to create an institution where philosophical inquiry could flourish on its own terms.

From a single seminar room on Flinders Street, Philosophia School has grown into a respected centre for philosophical education, serving students across Australia through both in-person and online programmes. We remain proudly independent, beholden to no agenda beyond the pursuit of understanding.

Our approach is grounded in close reading of primary texts, Socratic dialogue, and sustained engagement with the great questions that have occupied thinkers for millennia. We believe that philosophy is not the preserve of specialists, but a discipline that enriches every dimension of human experience.

Our Faculty

Scholars & Educators

Our faculty combine distinguished academic credentials with a genuine passion for teaching. Each brings a unique perspective shaped by years of research and classroom experience.

Dr. Eleanor Whitfield - Director and Senior Lecturer

Dr. Eleanor Whitfield

Director & Senior Lecturer

Former Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Adelaide with research interests in ancient Greek ethics, Platonic metaphysics, and the philosophy of education. Dr. Whitfield co-founded Philosophia School in 2018.

Prof. James Ellerby - Lecturer in Modern Philosophy

Prof. James Ellerby

Lecturer in Modern Philosophy

A specialist in Kantian and post-Kantian philosophy with over twenty years of teaching experience. Professor Ellerby previously held positions at Flinders University and the University of Edinburgh.

Dr. Amara Okafor - Lecturer in Comparative Philosophy

Dr. Amara Okafor

Lecturer in Comparative Philosophy

Dr. Okafor holds a doctorate from the University of Melbourne and specialises in cross-cultural philosophical traditions, with particular expertise in African philosophy, Buddhist thought, and hermeneutics.

Dr. Simon Hargreaves - Lecturer in Political Philosophy

Dr. Simon Hargreaves

Lecturer in Political Philosophy

With a background in both law and philosophy, Dr. Hargreaves teaches philosophy of law and pragmatism. He previously practised as a barrister before completing his PhD at the Australian National University.

Our History

Academic Lineage

2018

Philosophia School founded by Dr. Eleanor Whitfield and three colleagues in a single seminar room on Flinders Street, Adelaide. The inaugural course, an intensive on Plato's Republic, enrolled 14 students.

2019

Expanded to four concurrent courses and welcomed Professor James Ellerby to the faculty. Moved to current premises at Suite 12, Level 4, 26 Flinders Street.

2020

Launched online delivery in response to the pandemic, enabling students across Australia to participate. Enrolment grew by 60% as demand for thoughtful, structured learning increased.

2022

Introduced the Comparative Philosophy programme under Dr. Amara Okafor, broadening the curriculum to include non-Western philosophical traditions. Surpassed 800 total enrolments.

2024

Celebrated over 1,200 students served and launched the Philosophy of Law course with Dr. Simon Hargreaves. Recognised by the South Australian Humanities Council for excellence in community education.

Join Our Community of Inquiring Minds

Whether you are new to philosophy or returning to the discipline after years away, you are welcome here.

Contact Us