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Reason & Rationality Foundation & Advanced Programs at Princeton Session 1: June 7 - June 20, 2026 Session 2: June 21 - July 2, 2026 (Note: Spots remaining in Sesssion 2 (both weeks) and Session 2 (week 1) options. All other options now full.) Apply What is Reason & Rationality? 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 Foundation 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. Thank you to all the Reason & Rationality alumni who stay in touch and CONGRATULATIONS to those from the graduating high school class of '26 on your early acceptances to (these are the ones you've told us about) Harvard University, Dartmouth College, Princeton University, Columbia University, University of Chicago, and Trinity College Dublin. Peter Bach-y-Rita DEAN OF ACADEMICS Peter Bach-y-Rita: Ph.D., MIT (Philosophy), J.D. Stanford Law School, A.B. Princeton University (highest honors). Dr. Bach-y-Rita's dissertation at MIT was at the intersection of ethics, biology and technology. He has published work on intellectual property, bankruptcy law, and the nature of legal causation. He co-founded Reason & Rationality in 2023. Download the White Paper See How Verbal Reasoning Will Outperform Pure Quantitative Skills in the Age of AI First name Last name Enter your email here Sign Up Click here to download Hear Student Reflections: Hear Instructor Reflections: What Our Students Have To Say "We learned how we would like to be as people, how we would like to converse with each other and think about the world." - Anne, Princeton 2025 Watch "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." - Harry, Princeton 2025 Watch "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" - Harrison, Princeton 2025 Watch Hear What Parents Are Saying About Reason & Rationality's Princeton 2025 Program Watch Reason & Rationality Students in Action James' research on the Trolley Problem James B Estes attended the original Reason & Rationality discussion series in 2023 as a participant and TA, later joining the team to co-found the Reason & Rationality Summer Program. Inspired by the class session on the Trolley Problem, James conducted empirical research into survey respondents’ intuitions about an important Trolley Problem variant. He then authored and published a peer reviewed article entitled Empirical Evidence Reveals the Motivation of Subjects Who Switch Tracks in the Trolley Loop Case. Congratulations to James on being admitted into Harvard class of 2029. Student Project Podcast Reason & Rationality encourages student-initiated projects. Claire Ziebart, a senior at Cate School, produced her own podcast with fellow Reason & Rationality students, joined by instructor Joe Schmid. They discussed Robert Nozick’s Experience Machine thought experiment. Claire will attend Columbia University in Fall 2026. White paper verbal intel White Paper: Verbal Reasoning Will Outperform Quantitative Skills in the Age of AI

Upcoming and past events. Intersession Seminar (Private Event) Nueva School, CA January 6, 2026 Free Will: The Debate The Collegiate School, NY November 13, 2025 Eventbrite RSVP Link Seminar and Ethics Bowl Competition The Pingry School, NJ November 15, 2025 Email info@reasonandrationality.com for more information Seminar for Ethics Class (Private Event) Rutgers Prep, NJ November 17, 2025

The Reason & Rationality 2025 Convivium is open to students currently in grades 8 - 12. Please fill out the application form. Reason & Rationality Complete Application and Pay Deposit Below The Reason & Rationality 2025 Summer Program is open to students currently in grades 8 - 12. Admission is limited because of the 5:1 student-instructor ratio. Please complete and submit the application form below. With summer fast approaching, we will inform you of our admissions determination within 24 hours. Reason & Rationality welcomes intellectually curious high school students from all schools and backgrounds, from the USA and internationally. Some of our enrollees this year come from schools including: Andover (Phillips Academy), MA • Astra Nova School, CA • Branson School, CA • The Brearley School, NY • The Bullis School, MD • The Chapin School, NY • The Collegiate School, VA • Deerfield Academy, MA • Foxborough Regional Charter School, MA • Germantown Academy, PA • The Hun School of Princeton, NJ • International British School of Bucharest, Romania • Jackson Hole High School, WY • Lick-Wilmerding High School, CA • Los Gatos High School, CA • Magnificat High School, OH • The Nueva School, CA • Northridge Prep, IL • Oakwood Friends School, NY • Palo Alto School, CA • Park Tudor School, IN • Princeton Day School, NJ • Round Rock High School, TX • Rye Country Day School, NY • St Christopher’s School, Bahrain • Stanford Online High School, CA • Stanton College Preparatory School, FL • Stevenson School, CA • The Stony Brook School, NY • The Taft School, CT • Viewpoint School, CA • Waterford School, UT. Tuition and Pricing: Tuition is $6,900 for the full program and $4,300 for only one session (room and board included). If you have financial need, please contact us about a $500 per session discount. All applicants must submit a $500 deposit, which will be returned if your application is not accepted. Session 2: Swarthmore College (Check In July 27; Session Runs July 28 - Aug 1; Check Out Aug 2) Parent's Name Parent's Last Name Parent's Email Have You Previously Submitted This Form For Another Student? Student's First name Student's Last name Students Email Gender Year of Graduation High School GPA Street Address Name, City & State of High School Attended How Did You Hear About Us? Teacher College Counselor Friend or Family Member Google Social Media Email Other Students who attend both sessions get the full experience, priority in enrollment and a discount on tuition. However, students unable to attend the full program may apply to individual sessions. * Session 2 (July 27 - August 2, 2025) - $4300 Deposit fixed price $500 Submit Application and Pay Deposit

We are pleased to introduce the Reason & Rationality Institute 2026 Middle School Summer Program at The Pingry School in New Jersey Reason & Rationality Institute @ Pingry An Overnight Academic Summer Program Residential · Gr ades 7–8 · New Jersey Hosted at The Pingry School | July 26 – August 1, 2026 Reason & Rationality Institute is a week-long residential program at The Pingry School in New Jersey. In small seminars led by Ph.D. faculty, students discover and apply the foundational ideas of PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) by trying to explain the strange things that grownups do. Why does a teacher punish the whole class for one student's mistake? Working it through, students gain the words for concepts they knew but never articulated. By the end of the week, dinner conversation at home will never be the same. Students who come through Reason & Rationality leave more confident in their own judgment, more at ease in serious intellectual company, and more familiar with a way of thinking that will serve them through high school, college, and beyond. For many, it is the first time an academic setting has felt built for them. Academic Leadership : Reason & Rationality is directed by Peter Bach-y-Rita (BA Princeton, JD Stanford, PhD MIT). Faculty include doctoral-level philosophers from Princeton, Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Oxford. Location : The Pingry School’s residential Pottersville New Jersey campus, offering students a structured introduction to residential academic life in a beautiful setting. Program Details: Each day includes at least four hours of rigorous, discussion-based learning, followed by group activities such as the Pottersville ropes course. Evenings include games and structured social activities connected to program themes. Students arrive on July 26 and depart on the morning of August 1, 2026 . Rising 7th and 8th grade students (as of Summer 2026) are eligible to apply. Interested families may contact Dean of Academics Peter Bach-y-Rita at info@reasonandrationality.com . For a short Zoom chat with Peter click on the following button: Zoom Calendar Hear Student Reflections: Hear Instructor Reflections: How is the Middle School Program Different from the High School Program? The high school program dives directly into the kinds of philosophical debates you would encounter at Princeton or other elite universities. It ranges widely over topics as diverse as whether humans have free will and moral responsibility to whether we owe obligations to future generations. The middle school program uses familiar situations from school and family life to uncover the foundational intuitions of economics, ethics, and political theory. Students will learn to spot patterns and see how laws, moral codes, and even market systems are often different ways of trying to fix the same problem. Whether its clothing and makeup in school or embryonic gene editing, there may not be an obvious right answer but there is an underlying logic. Middle school students also grapple with belief and authority: Who should we trust? What makes someone an expert? Why do groups sometimes come to believe things that no one would have defended alone? The middle school program will be limited to about 25 students in a 1:5 student-teacher ratio. (The high school program is about 50 students in a 1:10 ratio). Concepts covered include: Incentives · Trade-offs · Opportunity Cost · Equilibrium · Coordination Problems · Collective Action · Externalities · Moral Hazard · Institutional Design · Moral Reasoning · Signaling · Testimony and Expertise · Probabilistic Reasoning A Day at Reason & Rationality Institute 8:00 AM — Breakfast and Morning Meeting: Someone is already replaying a scene from Chicken Run and insisting it was a public goods problem, not a prisoners' dilemma. 9:00 – 11:00 AM — Morning Seminar: Making Up Your Mind — Experts: When should you trust an expert and when should you push back? From doctors to coaches to the confident kid in class who always has an answer, students work through cases where deference makes sense and cases where it doesn't. 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Lunch 12:30 – 2:30 PM — Afternoon Seminar: Fairness and the Veil of Ignorance: Is your school's grading system fair? What about the way sports teams are picked at recess? Students use examples from their own lives to discover that fairness is harder to define than it looks and encounter Rawls's veil of ignorance as a tool for thinking about it more clearly. 2:45 – 4:30 PM — Ropes Course : It turns out that designing a fair team challenge is harder than it sounds. The veil of ignorance gets a workout. 5:00 PM — Free Time 6:00 PM — Dinner 7:30 PM — Fermi Estimation Games: Teams compete to estimate things no one could possibly know. How many piano tuners are in Chicago? How many golf balls fit in this room? The point isn't the answer — it's learning to reason carefully under uncertainty rather than giving up or guessing randomly. Surprisingly fun and surprisingly hard. 9:30 PM — Wind Down Students who come through Reason & Rationality leave more confident speaking in groups, more willing to sit with a difficult question, and more capable of changing their minds without losing their footing. These are habits that show up in classroom participation, teacher recommendations, and the kind of student a young person becomes over the next several years. Most students arrive having encountered many subjects but few big ideas. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics gives them a coherent framework for thinking about choices, institutions, and values that has been used for over a century (first innovated by Oxford University) to prepare young people for intellectual and civic life, and that transfers to almost everything they will study afterward. Reason & Rationality teaches PPE through conversations that make it stick, using problems that students actually care about. Why Reason & Rationality Institute? Program Schedule Tuition and Pricing The program fee of $4,300 covers all classes, activities, housing, and meals for the week-long program. A $1,000 deposit is due at the time of application, which promptly will be refunded if the application is not accepted, with the remaining balance being due within seven (7) days of acceptance. Reason & Rationality will refund the full deposit and any tuition payments if request is made prior to April 22, 2026. Questions About Reason & Rationality's Vision for Conversation-Based Education? Check out the frequently asked questions on our website or reach out to Reason & Rationality at info@reasonandrationality.com .

Site Coming Soon! Exciting things are on the horizon! We're working hard to bring you an educational experience that empowers students to think critically, communicate confidently, and excel academically. Stay tuned for updates, and be the first to know when we launch our transformative program. Student * Student * Student* Parent* Parent* Parent* Sign Up

Terms and Conditions The Reason & Rationality Summer Program is independent of the college and university campuses on which summer sessions are based. All names are trademarks of their respective owners. Reason & Rationality is a trademark of Reason & Rationality LLC. This program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Admission to the program is limited and shall be granted or denied at the sole discretion of the program administrators.

The Reason & Rationality 2025 Convivium is open to students currently in grades 8 - 12. Please fill out the application form. Student 2 - Application Form and Deposit Student 2's First Name* Student 2's Last Name* Student 2's Email Address* Student 2's Phone Number* Student 2's Year of Graduation* Student 2's Gender* Student 2's Name, City & State of High School Attended* How Did You Hear About Us?* Teacher College Counselor Friend or Family Member Google Social Media Email Other Select One of the Following Options. Note: Preference given to Full Two-Week Program applicants. Are you interested in the full two-week session, or a single week session? Full Two-Week Session One-Week Session I confirm that I am the Student's parent or legal guardian. By checking the box, I give permission for my child to be photographed or recorded during Reason & Rationality’s Summer Program, and that photos, videos, or recordings may be used for program materials or promotion, now and in the future. * I confirm that I am the Student's parent or legal guardian. By checking the box, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Student Handbook . * Deposit will be promptly returned if your application is not accepted. $1,000 Deposit Amount Submit Application and Pay Deposit

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We are pleased to introduce the Reason & Rationality 2026 Convivium summer program at Princeton Theological Seminary (June 7-19) and (June 21 - July 2). Reason & Rationality Foundation Program Princeton 2026 Reason & Rationality's Foundation Program immerses high school students in lively, small-group discussions around twenty core topics in philosophy, economics, politics, and decision-making. Apply Now Both sessions of the Foundation Program are held at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. Taught by Ph.D. students and young professors from Princeton, Harvard and other leading philosophy graduate programs, the two-week program emphasizes serious but playful intellectual conversation — testing ideas in real time, revising views with humility, and continuing discussions beyond the classroom, sometimes late into the evening. Some of our students go on to participate in Reason & Rationality podcasts and related projects, which you can explore on this website. Hear Student Reflections: Hear Instructor Reflections: Program Details Students who, as of Summer 2026, are entering 9th grade through those who have just graduated from high school are eligible to apply. While preference will be given to those applying to the full 2-week session, you will also find an option to apply for a single week. Session 1 - Week 1: June 7 - 13, 2026 (waitlist only) Session 1 - Week 2: June 14 - 20, 2026 Session 1 - Both Weeks Session 2 - Week 1: June 21 - 27, 2026 (waitlist only) Session 2 - Week 2: June 27 - July 2, 2026 (waitlist only) Session 2 - Both Weeks (13 spots left - 1/30) Families interested in joining a waitlist should email: info@reasonandrationality.com Oral Exam Contest: Students who attend the full 2-week program are eligible to participate in an Oral Exam Contest on the second to last day of classes. Led by members of our Princeton-based teaching team, the Oral Exam Contest follows the same oral examination methods used in Princeton undergraduate courses. Participation involves a small additional tuition charge. Apply Now Foundation Program 2026 Sample Schedule Week One Week Two Tuition and Pricing The program fee of $7,600 covers all classes, activities, housing, and meals for the full two-week program ($5,000 for a single week). A $1,000 deposit is due at the time of application, which promptly will be refunded if the application is not accepted, with the remaining balance being due within seven (7) days of acceptance. Reason & Rationality will refund the full deposit and any tuition payments if request is made prior to April 22, 2026. Program fees will increase in Spring 2026. If your student needs financial aid, please contact us at: info@reasonandrationality.com. Questions About Reason & Rationality's Vision for Conversation-Based Education? Check out the frequently asked questions on our website or reach out to Reason & Rationality at info@reasonandrationality.com .

Reason & Rationality Convivial Conversation Guidelines Tips for Productive and Enriching Conversation Reason & Rationality equips high school students with the tools to think rigorously about complex questions, separate fact from ideology, and engage in lively intellectual exchange. Our classes are filled with humor, and rooted in relatable discussions. Students sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills and leave with a grasp of the intellectual frameworks that empower them to become confident independent thinkers. At Reason & Rationality, we welcome honest, intellectually rigorous conversations on topics that are often avoided in traditional high school settings—politics, religion, ethics, personal values, and more. These discussions can be deeply rewarding but also require maturity, self-awareness, and respect. Everyone involved, students and instructors, shares responsibility for creating an open, thoughtful, and inclusive environment. We are committed to fostering dialogue, not debate. The goal is to understand and explore different perspectives, not to win arguments or persuade others of a particular ideology. Our aim is to create not only a “safe space,” but a brave space—where intellectual courage and emotional maturity go hand in hand. Guidelines for Discussion The Reason & Rationality community is built on the belief that respectful disagreement is essential to intellectual growth. We are here to think hard, listen deeply, and learn from one another even when we disagree. Reason & Rationality Core Discussion Values Intellectual Humility: Be open to the idea that your beliefs might be incomplete or even wrong. Listening is not just polite; it’s how we grow. Curiosity Over Certainty: Ask questions not to trap or win, but to understand. Approach others with a genuine interest in how they see the world. Clarity Over Volume: You don’t have to speak first or the loudest. Take time to gather your thoughts. Silence can be powerful. When used properly, “strategic pauses” can have a powerful impact. Communal Understanding and Respect for Identity: Philosophical inquiry asks us to move from personal perspective to public reasoning by offering arguments others can assess without reference to individual identity or experience. This reflects a long-standing philosophical commitment to shared standards of justification. To support that, students should generally refrain from bringing racial, gender, sexual, or political identities or beliefs into discussion, unless clearly necessary to aiding communal understanding. Respectful disagreement on such matters is welcome when relevant. Focus creates freedom. In thoughtful philosophical discussion, it is often structure that creates the space for real openness and respect. Our conversations should remain centered on the argument at hand, rather than drifting into a free-form exchange of personal opinions. This discipline ensures that all participants stay in true conversation and can genuinely be heard. Without such focus, even well-meaning attempts at “safe” dialogue can unravel, leading to misunderstanding or discomfort. Critique with Care: Challenge ideas rigorously. Avoid turning critique into character judgment. If in doubt, ask a question before making a claim. Tips for Students We want Reason & Rationality to be a space where students speak openly and also listen generously. Here are some principles to keep in mind when you engage in discussion: Speak to Understand, Not Just to Persuade: The goal is to explore ideas together, not to "win" an argument. Your role is to contribute thoughtfully and help others feel safe doing the same. Help Steer the Conversation Constructively: If things seem off track or overly repetitive, try gently refocusing the group. Offer Suggestions When There’s a Stalemate: If a discussion feels stuck, propose a new approach. “It seems like we both have different facts that inform our perspectives. Maybe we can talk about our underlying values instead since we disagree about the evidence?” Ask Questions and Clarify: If something doesn’t make sense or is confusing, ask. Rephrasing what you’ve heard is also a powerful way to check understanding. “Let me see if I can restate your argument…” Assume Good Intentions: People communicate differently across cultures and personalities. What may come off as rude or off-putting in one culture is completely polite in another. Try to interpret others' words in the most generous way possible. Critique Ideas, Not People: Disagreement is welcome; disrespect is not. Challenge positions, not identities. “I see it differently because…” instead of “That’s a ridiculous thing to say.” Handle Interruptions Respectfully: If you feel cut off, speak up calmly. “I really want to hear your perspective—could I just finish my thought first?” Clarify When Misunderstood: You can always restate your point, or ask others to reflect back what they heard: “Let me try to say it another way…” “Can you tell me what you heard me say? I want to make sure I was clear.” Express Discomfort Thoughtfully: If something bothers you, it’s okay to say so kindly and clearly. Describe the action, not the person’s intent. “When you said X, I felt Y.” “I don’t think that was your intention, but that comment landed in a hard way for me.” If it feels tense then try a little humor: A light, respectful joke can ease tension and help everyone breathe. Just make sure you're laughing with people, not at them and that the moment calls for it. Reason & Rationality Code of Conduct Reason & Rationality programs are built on mutual respect, curiosity, and a shared commitment to learning. To ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and inspired, we expect all students and staff to follow the Reason & Rationality Convivial Conversation Guidelines above and adhere to the Code of Conduct below: Student Behavior Expectations Treat all students, instructors and staff with respect and kindness at all times. No bullying, teasing, or discrimination of any kind. Adhere to the Reason & Rationality Convivial Conversation Guidelines at all times. Be engaged and participate actively for your benefit and for the benefit of others. Attend all scheduled classes, extracurricular activities and meals. Show up on time, complete tasks, and follow directions from staff. No phones or other electronic devices permitted during classes, extracurricular activities or meals (staff members permitted to have phones for administrative support coordination only). No leaving campus unless as part of Reason & Rationality led group activity or with approval from a staff member. No leaving the dorm between 10 PM till 8 AM unless with a Reason & Rationality staff member Be safe. Follow all safety guidelines and avoid risky behavior that could harm yourself or others. Wear Reason & Rationality name badge lanyard at all times. Take responsibility for your own keycard and dorm room key. $50 charge per lost keycard or dorm room key. Non-Academic questions and support requirements to be initially directed by students to the Group Leader in their assigned group. Prohibited Behaviors Th e following are strictly prohibited: Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or vaping devices Possession of weapons or any dangerous objects Use of inappropriate language, gestures, or behavior (including bullying, slurs, hate speech, or sexual content) Stealing, vandalism, or damaging property Leaving designated areas or group activities without permission Violation of any of these may result in immediate dismissal from the program at the family’s expense and without refund. Safety and Supervision Supervision You’ll be supervised by trained staff during all classes, activities and meals with nearby oversight during free time periods and in the dorms. Always stay in designated areas (classrooms, dorms, activity zones) unless given permission by a Reason & Rationality staff member to leave. Adhere with class and activity attendance check-in and evening dorm check-in procedures. Always inform a staff member before leaving a group space, and check back in when you return. Emergency Procedures Follow staff instructions during any emergency, such as fire drills or medical situations. Know where emergency exits and meeting points are (we’ll go over this on Day One Report any injuries, illnesses, or unsafe situations to staff right away. Health and Wellness Stay hydrated and eat the meals provided. Let staff know about allergies or dietary needs. Partake in the daily physical activities. Get enough rest, and take care of yourself! Personal Belongings Label and secure your items. Avoid bringing valuables like expensive electronics or jewelry. Reason & Rationality is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Disciplinary Process We want everyone to thrive here. If a rule is broken, we follow a fair and transparent process: Verbal Warning for Minor Infractions A staff member will talk with you about the incident and remind you of the rules and behavior expectations. Written Warning for Repeat Minor or a Major Infraction For repeated minor infractions or a more serious infraction, you’ll receive a written warning and parents/guardians may be notified. You may lose privileges like class or extracurricular activities or permission to go off campus. Parent/Guardian Meeting If problems continue or the behavior is serious (e.g., bullying, unsafe conduct), we’ll arrange a meeting with your parents/guardians. You may be asked to sign a behavior contract. Dismissal from Program If behavior doesn’t improve or is determined to be severe by Reason & Rationality staff (e.g., violence, possession of drugs/weapons, repeated bullying), you may be sent home early at your family’s expense. No refunds will be given in these cases. Reporting Issues If you experience or witness something that concerns you, tell a staff member or Group Leader right away. This includes: Bullying or harassment Unsafe or illegal behavior Medical or emotional concerns All staff are trained in student safety and mandated reporting responsibilities. Culture and Social Norms Reason & Rationality is a space for reflection, exploration, and connection. We expect all students to help create a respectful, inclusive, and enriching environment. Our Shared Values Curiosity: Ask questions, think deeply, and be open to other perspectives. Teamwork: Listen, contribute, and collaborate in a convivial manner. Inclusivity: Welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Respect for Difference: Embrace the diversity of views, values and personalities. Digital Etiquette Only use phones/devices during approved personal time (not in class, meals, or group activities). Never take photos/videos of others without their clear permission. Use social media kindly: no drama, no negativity, and no posting about others without consent. Out of respect for privacy, please don’t post anything on another student’s social media—even positive comments—while the program is in session. Fun Traditions Talent Show - Evening of fun with students, instructors and staff sharing their talents on stage from singing, acting, dance, sports, comedy, magic, etc. Water Balloon Fight Ice Cream Crawl - go see and taste the best ice creams in the college town area nearby Closing Ceremony - chance to share with parents the incredible learning, growth and fun experiences over the Program. Packing List Clothing 6–7 casual outfits (shorts/jeans + t-shirts/tops) 1–2 nicer business casual outfits (e.g., sundress, collared shirt, chinos) for guest lectures or group photos 1-2 sets of athletic wear and shoes for outdoor activities 1 light jacket or hoodie (AC indoors and cooler evenings) 1–2 sweaters or long sleeves (layers are key) Pajamas/sleepwear Undergarments and socks (7+ pairs) Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers Sandals or flip-flops (for dorm shower use) Rain jacket or umbrella Swimsuit Optional: sports coat, tie and dress shoes or nice dress and dress shoes Toiletries Toothbrush and toothpaste Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash Deodorant Hairbrush or comb Razor/shaving supplies (if applicable) Sunscreen Any necessary feminine hygiene products Medications (with instructions, in original packaging) Academic Supplies: Notebook or journal Pens Printed or digital copies of assigned readings (if applicable) Laptop/tablet (with charger) (not permitted in class but can be used in dorms for reading) Backpack or tote bag Electronics: Phone and charger Laptop and charger Headphones (noise-canceling if preferred) Reusable water bottle ID card and a small amount of cash or debit card Optional: book or card games for free time __________________________________ Final Notes This handbook is your guide to a safe, fun, and unforgettable one-week or two-week experience. If you have questions or need support at any time, please reach out to a staff member—we are here for you. Contact Information President & Dean of Academics: Peter Bach-y-Rita: info@reasonandrationality.com ; mobile 415-948-9625 Emergency Contact (24/7): 415-948-9625 Student Services Manager: Brooke Estes: info@reasonandrationality.com ; mobile 415-876-1349 If you or your parents/guardians have questions or concerns about these guidelines, please contact Reason & Rationality at info@reasonandrationality.com before the Program begins.

Our instructors hail from world-renowned institutions like Princeton, Oxford, and MIT, bringing unmatched expertise and passion to every session. Summer 2025 Faculty Each 2-hour Reason & Rationality class session is led by one Instructor and one supporting Group Leader for a highly interactive 5:1 Student to Instructor ratio. Our Instructors are Ph.D. students or graduates from top philosophy programs. Group Leaders are undergraduate students focused on philosophy, who actively participate and facilitate discussions and help to support activities and continuing conversations outside class. Peter Bach-y-Rita DEAN OF ACADEMICS Peter Bach-y-Rita: Ph.D., MIT (Philosophy), J.D. Stanford Law School, A.B. Princeton University (highest honors). Dr. Bach-y-Rita's dissertation at MIT was at the intersection of ethics, biology and technology. He has published work on intellectual property, bankruptcy law, and the nature of legal causation. He co-founded Reason & Rationality in 2023. Joe earned a BA in Philosophy with highest distinction from Purdue University and is currently a Philosophy PhD student at Princeton University. He has published 16 articles on topics in metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and ethics in leading peer-reviewed philosophy journals. He also authored the books Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs (with Dr. Daniel Linford) and The Majesty of Reason: A Short Guide to Critical Thinking in Philosophy. On the popular level, he creates lecture videos and hosts discussions with philosophers on his YouTube channel Majesty of Reason. His videos have attracted nearly 1.5 million views in total. Joseph Schmid HEAD OF INSTRUCTION Expert Guest Lecturers Benjamin Morison DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF PHILOSOPHY, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY Peter Baumann DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF PHILOSOPHY, SWARTHMORE COLLEGE Christy Wampole PROFESSOR OF FRENCH, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY Instructors Noah McKay Noah is a PhD student in philosophy at Princeton University. He earned his BA in philosophy from Covenant College (summa cum laude) and his MSc in philosophy from the University of Edinburgh (First Class Honours). He has published several peer-reviewed academic articles about epistemology, metaethics, and philosophy of religion and presented original research at about a dozen conferences. He has also coached high school debate for seven years. Florence Bacus Florence is a Philosophy PhD student at Harvard University. She received a BS in mathematics and physics from the University of Michigan in 2018, and an MA in philosophy from Tufts University in 2020. Her current work concerns the nature of rational agency and free will and what that has to do with the foundations of ethics, in particular influenced by the moral theory of Immanuel Kant. Summer Convivium Group Leaders Amos Wollen Amos Wollen is an undergraduate reading Philosophy and Theology at Oriel College, Oxford. He is an Emergent Ventures winner. Cadence James Cadence James studies philosophy, politics and economics at Wadham College, Oxford, where she also rows. Oak Hu Oak Hu does math & philosophy at Magdalen College, Oxford — so, she thinks 'philosophy' means playing with symbols like '◊' and 'λ'. Sophia Wyatt Sophia received her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago in 2021 and will be entering the Ph.D. program there in Fall 2025. Her primary interests lie in ethics and epistemology, particularly at their intersection. Eugene Shcherbinin Eugene studies philosophy, mathematics and economics at London School of Economics. He is an Em ergent Ventures winner and Ex-President of LSE Effective Altruism. Eugenia Brotons- Batista Eugenia studies philosophy, politics, and economics at the London School of Economics. She used to ski competitively and now she teaches in her spare time. Questions About the Reason & Rationality's Vision for Conversation-Based Education? Check out the frequently asked questions on our website or reach out to Reason & Rationality at info@reasonandrationality.com . Ready to jump into critical thinking and conversation? Apply Now

Reach out to us for program details, enrollment inquiries, or any other information you need. Fill out the form below or contact us directly. Let's Get in Touch Contact Us info@reasonandrationality.com Phone: (415) 948-9625 Think you might have a popular question? Have questions? Check out our FAQ section for quick answers to common inquiries about our programs, enrollment, and more! Send Us a Message Reach out to us for program details, enrollment inquiries, or any other information you need. Fill out the form below or contact us directly. A member of our team will respond within 2-3 business days First name Last name Email Phone Your Message Send Message About Reason & Rationality Application Process Accommodations & Dining Other Who is Reason & Rationality for? High school students who love critical thinking and conversation, as well as high school students seeking to expand their capabilities - authentic curiosity, critical thinking and verbal dexterity - to get into an ideally suited college and to thrive there and beyond. Why Do High School Students Need Reason & Rationality? Crafting strong arguments and holding intellectual conversations that are interesting, persuasive and stay on track requires a combination of critical thinking, conversation techniques and a basic knowledge of the 20 Big Ideas in philosophy, economics and politics that serve as a foundation for many issues. What Problem Does Reason & Rationality Solve? With the many distractions and demands on high school students and families, high school students rarely get the opportunity to practice fluid, to-the-point conversations in a social but formal setting. Students need those skills in order to grasp opportunities that appear in life. What Makes Reason & Rationality Different from Competitor Offerings? We are designed from the ground up for joyful, authentic inquiry. Our classes are concentrated dives into the most important ideas -- from justice and democracy to game theory and the nature of consciousness -- led by Ph.D. students and graduates from top philosophy programs. Our faculty don’t vanish after class; you’ll find them in the lounge at midnight still debating with students. The result is a rare atmosphere where sharp reasoning, open-minded dialogue, and genuine friendships thrive. To make it all work, Reason & Rationality instructors are picked from the most dynamic and energetic young scholars who love connecting with their younger peers and audiences. What is the meaning of Convivial? Convivial (adjective): Marked by good company and cheerful conversation. What will life be like for students after they attend Reason & Rationality? Students will have the skills, knowledge and confidence to speak up more in class with well crafted arguments gaining the attention of teachers and improving their GPA. Students will be well prepared to engage in stimulating intellectual discussions with college interviewers and adeptly handle tricky questions. How should students prepare for the Summer Program? The Summer Program is about fun and conversation, so students are not required to do substantial work in advance. We will email links to some short videos and readings a few weeks before the program, which will help students get in the mindset to maximize their learning from the very beginning of the Program. After each days' activities, students will be assigned short readings to prepare for the next day. FAQ