Critical Thinking Through Convivial Conversation
Reason & Rationality equips
high school students with the tools to
think rigorously about complex questions,
separate fact from ideology, and participate
in lively intellectual discussion
The 2-week Program focuses on 20 Big Ideas in Philosophy, Economics and Ethics.
Classes are rigorous, fast-paced and full of humor.
Students sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills and leave with a grasp of the intellectual frameworks that empower them to simplify complex problems, connect the dots, and craft compelling arguments.
Dr. Bach-y-Rita holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from MIT, a J.D. from Stanford Law School, and an A.B. from Princeton University, where he graduated with highest honors. His MIT dissertation worked at the intersection of ethics, biology, and technology, and he has published on intellectual property, bankruptcy law, and the nature of legal causation. He co-founded Reason & Rationality in 2023.
“We learned how we would like to be as people, how we would like to converse with each other and think about the world.”
“When I came here, I really noticed that my perspective was broadened because I was first of all surrounded by a bunch of amazing students.”
“I can count four distinct moments in the last three days where I had a physical reaction to a philosophical concept that was explained to me.”
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
James B Estes (Harvard ’29) joined the original Reason & Rationality discussion series in 2023 as a participant and TA, then helped co-found the Reason & Rationality Summer Program. Inspired by the session on the Trolley Problem, he authored and published the peer-reviewed article Empirical Evidence Reveals the Motivation of Subjects Who Switch Tracks in the Trolley Loop Case.
Two weeks of serious, playful conversation with Ph.D. instructors from Princeton, Harvard, and beyond. Applications for Summer 2027 are open — space is deliberately limited.
Apply for Summer 2027New students begin with the Foundation Program; returning students continue in the Advanced Program. Questions? Read the FAQ.
Still unsure? Book a call with our Dean of Academics.
