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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. Cole Whetstone Cole is a graduate student at NYU. Before beginning his doctoral work, he earned a Master of Studies in Ancient Philosophy at Oxford, where he also taught Ancient Greek at Jesus College. He previously completed his undergraduate degree in Classics at Harvard. Cadence James Cadence James studies philosophy, politics and economics at Wadham College, Oxford, where she also rows. 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. Oak Hu Oak Hu does math & philosophy at Magdalen College, Oxford — so, she thinks 'philosophy' means playing with symbols like '◊' and 'λ'. 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

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. First name Last name Email* Sign Up

After attending Reason & Rationality, parents often notice their teens contributing more thoughtfully in conversations, standing out in classroom discussions, and handling challenging questions with poise. Reason & Rationality The Parent's Perspective 2025 Summer Program Classsrooms and Dorms 2025 Summer Program Schedule Apply Now! As a parent, seeing your child grow in confidence, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity is incredibly rewarding. After attending Reason & Rationality, parents often notice their teens contributing more thoughtfully in conversations, standing out in classroom discussions, and handling challenging questions with poise. 2025 Summer Program Glimpse Into Classrooms and Dormitory Accomodation Princeton Theological Seminary Swarthmore College Dorms 2025 Summer Programs Program Schedule The 2025 Program will be held at both Princeton and Swarthmore, so that students can experience the atmosphere of both an Ivy League university and a top liberal arts college. Weekly schedules below are for illustration and likely to change. Session 1: Princeton Theological Seminary Session 2: Swarthmore College * Conviviums are Reason & Rationality’s 20 Core Seminars with 5:1 Student-Instructor Ratio ** Eight Supplemental Skill Set Deep Dive Seminars

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The Reason & Rationality two-week summer program includes 20 sessions on the 20 biggest ideas in philosophy, economics and ethics. About Reason & Rationality Reason & Rationality was inspired by Dean of Academics, Peter Bach-y-Rita’s childhood experience on his high school debate team. After losing their coach, Peter’s debate team friends stayed on and turned their club into a Friday afternoon philosophical salon where big ideas were up for conversation, but always in convivial fashion – meaning warm, welcoming, and brimming with intellectual camaraderie. Peter went off to Princeton University and got his Ph.D. in philosophy from MIT and JD from Stanford. He began Reason & Rationality in 2023. Pronounced demand led to expansion from the West Coast to East Coast in 2025. Meet the Founding Team Peter Bach-y-Rita DEAN OF ACADEMICS & CO-FOUNDER Donald Sung PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER James B. Estes PROJECT DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER Program Impact Thriving Under Uncertainty Curiosity & Critical Thinking FAQ 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? Reason & Rationality uses a convivial, conversational format to enliven class discussions on philosophical, ethical and economic concepts, making the learning and practice process fun and engaging. 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio and 5 hours of interactive discussions and problem solving per day give each student lots of opportunities to practice and reinforce the newly acquired skills and knowledge. Highly participatory so that students rapidly grow their critical thinking and conversation skills. No boring theoretical lectures. Competitors, on the other hand, tend to simply focus on lectures and essay writing that students already get during normal school classes. 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. Why was my application rejected? The 2025 Reason & Rationality Summer Program has limited space because it is designed to be an intensive conversational experience. We hope you will check back and apply for Summer 2026. What is the refund policy? Deposits are automatically refunded if application is rejected and refunded the same day the application rejection notice is issued. Should a student need to cancel their spot for whatever reason, deposits and tuition are fully refundable upon request until April 22, 2025. Does Reason & Rationality offer financial aid? We do not currently have a financial aid program but plan on putting one in place for 2026. How are accommodations handled? Students will be accommodated in college dorm rooms - singles or doubles. Linens are included. If you would like your child to be roomed with a friend or sibling, please let us know and we will most likely be able to make that happen. Are dormitories single sex or mixed? Most rooms are in mixed gender hallways with single-sex bathrooms. However, a girls-only floor may be possible based on enrollment. Please let us know if that is a priority for your family. How much supervision is there? For every 5 students in the program, there will be at least one 18+ instructors or staff living in the same halls, who are mostly graduate or undergraduate instructors, and who are also present at discussions, meals, and activities throughout the day. Are all meals and housing included? Yes, all meals and housing are included in the price of tuition. How can I become a Reason & Rationality instructor? We are always looking for undergraduates, Ph.D. students and graduates in philosophy (and adjacent fields) who “get” the Reason & Rationality curriculum and thrive on the social, conversational side of the field. Please reach out to us at info@reasonandrationality.com. FAQ James' research on the famous Trolley Problem Immediate Impact 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. Apply Now

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 I: Princeton Theological Seminary (Check In June 8; Session Runs June 9-13; Check Out June 14) Session 2: Swarthmore College (Check In July 27; Session Runs July 28 - Aug 1; Check Out Aug 2) Gender Students Email Have You Previously Submitted This Form For Another Student? Student's First name Student's Last name Street Address Year of Graduation High School GPA Name, City & State of High School Attended Parent's First and Last Name Parent's Email 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. * Full Program (Both Sessions) - $6900 for tuition, room and board Session 1 (June 8-14) Only - $4300 for tuition, room and board Session 2 (July 27 - August 2) Only - $4300 for tuition, room and board Deposit fixed price $ 500 Submit Application and Pay Deposit

Explore our gallery to see students engaging in lively discussions, collaborating on thought-provoking challenges, and connecting with world-class instructors. Two-Week Summer Program Reason & Rationality Gallery Explore our gallery to see students engaging in lively discussions, collaborating on thought-provoking challenges, and connecting with world-class instructors. From interactive group sessions to moments of individual discovery, these snapshots capture the unique, vibrant atmosphere of Reason & Rationality.

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 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? Reason & Rationality uses a convivial, conversational format to enliven class discussions on philosophical, ethical and economic concepts, making the learning and practice process fun and engaging. 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio and 5 hours of interactive discussions and problem solving per day give each student lots of opportunities to practice and reinforce the newly acquired skills and knowledge. Highly participatory so that students rapidly grow their critical thinking and conversation skills. No boring theoretical lectures. Competitors, on the other hand, tend to simply focus on lectures and essay writing that students already get during normal school classes. 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. Why was my application rejected? The 2025 Reason & Rationality Summer Program has limited space because it is designed to be an intensive conversational experience. We hope you will check back and apply for Summer 2026. What is the refund policy? Deposits are automatically refunded if application is rejected and refunded the same day the application rejection notice is issued. Should a student need to cancel their spot for whatever reason, deposits and tuition are fully refundable upon request until April 22, 2025. Does Reason & Rationality offer financial aid? We do not currently have a financial aid program but plan on putting one in place for 2026. How are accommodations handled? Students will be accommodated in college dorm rooms - singles or doubles. Linens are included. If you would like your child to be roomed with a friend or sibling, please let us know and we will most likely be able to make that happen. Are dormitories single sex or mixed? Most rooms are in mixed gender hallways with single-sex bathrooms. However, a girls-only floor may be possible based on enrollment. Please let us know if that is a priority for your family. How much supervision is there? For every 5 students in the program, there will be at least one 18+ instructors or staff living in the same halls, who are mostly graduate or undergraduate instructors, and who are also present at discussions, meals, and activities throughout the day. Are all meals and housing included? Yes, all meals and housing are included in the price of tuition. How can I become a Reason & Rationality instructor? We are always looking for undergraduates, Ph.D. students and graduates in philosophy (and adjacent fields) who “get” the Reason & Rationality curriculum and thrive on the social, conversational side of the field. Please reach out to us at info@reasonandrationality.com. FAQ

Our classrooms are designed to inspire, featuring small, discussion-friendly setups that encourage active participation and collaboration. Reason & Rationality Classroom and Dorms Our classrooms are designed to inspire, featuring small, discussion-friendly setups that encourage active participation and collaboration. Each session takes place in a focused yet welcoming environment, ensuring every student feels heard and engaged. After a day of stimulating learning, students can relax and recharge in our comfortable dorms, which provide a safe and social space to unwind, connect with peers, and reflect on the day’s insights. Together, our classrooms and dorms create a balanced experience that supports both academic growth and personal connections. Apply Now! 2025 Summer Program Glimpse Into Classrooms and Dormitory Accommodations Princeton Theological Seminary Swarthmore College Ready to Take the Next Step? Apply Now!

We are pleased to introduce the Reason & Rationality 2025 Convivium summer program at Princeton Theological Seminary (June 8-14) and Swarthmore College (July 27 - Aug 2). Reason & Rationality 2025 Summer Program Book a Call 2025 Faculty Classrooms and Dorms Sample Weekly Schedule The program's core philosophy emphasizes that relationship and conversation are fundamental to intellectual growth, encouraging students to delve into complex ideas and develop critical thinking skills. By offering sessions at both Princeton & Swarthmore, students can experience diverse academic atmospheres. This is a valuable opportunity for students seeking to expand their intellectual horizons and prepare for future academic endeavors. We encourage you to share this program with students who demonstrate a strong interest in the humanities and social sciences. The Reason & Rationality 2025 Summer Program, held at Princeton Theological Seminary (June 8-14) and Swarthmore College (July 27 - Aug 2), offers an exceptional opportunity for intellectually curious high school students in grades 9-12. This week-long program provides an immersive experience in Philosophy, Policy, and Economics through informal and engaging salons with a 5:1 student-instructor ratio, facilitated by graduate and undergraduate students from renowned universities like Princeton, Oxford, Michigan, and Purdue. See The Reason & Rationality Difference Download our guide to "Cultivating Authentic Curiosity in Over-Scheduled High School Students" First name Email* Download 2025 Summer Program Overview Session 1 (Princeton Theological Seminary June 8 - 14, 2025) The Value of a Human Life (cost benefit analysis, present value discounting, the significance of future generations) Utilitarianism and The Veil of Ignorance Basic Logic, Intellectual Virtues, Properties of Arguments Moral Realism and Moral Relativism The Trolley Problem Supply and Demand COVID Lockdowns and Ice Cream Cones (total and marginal utility, opportunity cost) Private Property and Prices Complex Systems, Emergent Properties, and the Mystery of Consciousness Norms Unlike our Own (primogeniture, bride price, dowries, indissoluble marriage, cousin marriage) Session 2 (Swarthmore College July 27 - August 2, 2025) 11. Base Rates and the Base Rate Fallacy 12. Selection Bias, Social Desirability Bias 13. Preference Falsification and Self-Deception 14. Harry Frankfurt on Bullshit 15. Bayes’s Rule 16. Do You Live in a Simulation? 17. Rationality, Rationalism and Pascal’s Wager 18. The Conceptual Analysis of “Liberal” and “Conservative” 19. Science Fiction and Philosophy: Life Extension and Universal Basic Income 20. The Ethics of Selling Human Organs and Babies Questions About the Reason & Rationality Vision for Conversation-Based Education? Check out the frequently asked questions on our website or book a call to learn more. Book a Call James' research on the famous Trolley Problem Immediate Impact 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. Apply Now!