Welcome to the School of Economic Science

Through the study of philosophy, the School of Economic Science has been dedicated to the quest for unity and balance in all aspects of life for over 50 years.

The original subject taught by the School was economics. In the 1950s, philosophy became the main study and has remained so ever since.

The School’s philosophy courses are inspired by the ancient Indian concept of Advaita, but embrace a wide range of philosophers, thinkers and writers. For those interested in exploring these ideas, the School offers introductory philosophy courses in most of the main regions of Great Britain. For many, this is as far as their interest takes them. For others who want to know more, the School offers further classes to study more deeply, practise meditation and to apply the lessons of philosophy in their daily lives.

In a spirit of enquiry, the School encourages an exploration of philosophical principles based on personal experience. It is not exclusive, and its students include followers of the world’s great religions – and many who follow no religion at all.

The School is an educational charity regulated by the Charity Commission. It was founded in 1937 in the wake of the Great Depression. At that time, with the emphasis of its work on economics, it sought to develop thinking that would help bring about greater economic justice. The study of economics still forms an important part of the School’s work today and is shaped by the desire to achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth and to leave the world in better condition than we find it. Introductory courses in economics are offered regularly in London and some other locations.

Other studies embrace the arts, literature and sciences, and the School supports spiritually based education, particularly the St James Schools in London which it was instrumental in establishing in 1975.

The School seeks not only to raise the intellectual understanding of its students but also encourages them to put what they have learned into practice. The aim is to lead a balanced life and to serve society to the best of one’s ability.