Philosophy graduates in the Netherlands need no longer fear for their careers, as Dutch business is turning to them to deal with everyday problems.

So-called "practical philosophers" are charging big hourly rates for individual counselling sessions in the traditional territory of medicine and psychology.

The interest in philosophical solutions to ethical issues places the Dutch at the forefront in trying to find new moral underpinnings for social development. The movement also fills the gap left by the gradual erosion of the church's role as arbiter of right and wrong.

A versatile band of thinkers is testing the market place. Ida Jongsmar, a philosopher and owner of the Hotel de Filosoof in Amsterdam, founded the Association of Practical Philosophers over a decade ago but it has only recently started to have a significant impact on counselling and human resources.

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"We have an interest in looking at the whole human condition, in understanding fundamentals. We are not making any value judgements. We simply encourage clients to use our training in rational argument to analyse their situation," she says.

The association's approach is pragmatic as members switch between centuries and schools, blending the technique of Socratic dialogue and existentialism with Cartesian notions to suit the client's particular problem.

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Although academic purists may disapprove of making philosophy part of the marketplace, the eclectic approach has attracted municipal officials from six cities to seek advice on housing, the ageing population and business links with criminals, and has helped hundreds of ordinary citizens troubled by relationship problems.

Some of the philosophers have gone on to obtain a further university degree in counselling.

Ms Jungsma says: "The universities have an ivory tower view of the difficulties of today's society, and the church is equally out of touch.

"Practical philosophy offers what's needed - the flexibility to interpret knowledge in an accessible fashion. And anyway what better way of keeping philosophy graduates employed?"

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