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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 began in 2023 as a pilot taught by co-founder Peter Bach-y-Rita (AB, Princeton University; Ph.D., MIT) to graduating students of San Francisco’s Cathedral School for Boys. Working with young men on the cusp of adulthood, the original question animating the program was what ideas from academic philosophy and the decision sciences are most important to carry into adult life. Starting from first principles, the curriculum focuses on a small set of powerful tools -- moral reasoning, probability, and models of social incentives -- and on acculturating students into serious intellectual conversation. Thinking aloud, responding in real time, testing ideas together, and revising one’s views without defensiveness are treated as practical skills and intrinsic goods of intellectual life. Today, Reason & Rationality is a selective, residential summer program for intellectually curious students who want to engage the biggest questions about life, society, and human meaning. At a time when many institutions are struggling to sustain civil discourse, Reason & Rationality sets a higher bar. Our students pursue questions that genuinely matter, and learn the most powerful frameworks for answering them. They learn to reason clearly, speak precisely, and participate in the joy of convivial, truth-seeking conversation. * * * Our hopes are so buoyed by this cohort of young men and women, who took time during their summer to tackle the deep topics taught as part of the Reason & Rationality curriculum. Thank you for showing students that there can be debate without discord, and that good decision making involves deep work. We hope you know just how special, and frankly desperately needed, we find this program to be in a world which now seems increasingly divorced from both reason and rationality. We hope you will share our deepest thanks with the Reason & Rationality team. Very truly yours, Charmaine (Parent) 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? 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. 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, 2026. Does Reason & Rationality offer financial aid? Please contact us if your student requires financial aid. info@reasonandrationality.com. 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

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 2026 Princeton Summer Program Apply Now Classrooms and Dorms Sample Weekly Schedule We are pleased to introduce the Reason & Rationality 2026 Princeton Summer Program: Session 1: June 7th - June 19th Session 2: June 21st - July 2nd Alumni / advanced seminar to be announced Students in grades 8 - 12 are invited to apply. Students who want to attend a half session of one week may contact us for more information. Reason & Rationality 2026 Princeton Summer Program Topics The Value of a Human Life Ethical Theory Logic and Intellectual Virtue Moral Realism and Moral Relativism The Trolley Problem Private Property and Prices Intro to Public Choice Incentive Problems Consciousness Fake beliefs, In-Between Beliefs Radical Skepticism Bias Preferences Harry Frankfurt on Bullshit Bayes’s Rule Population Ethics Pascal’s Wager The Conceptual Analysis of “Liberal” and “Conservative” Doxastic Wronging The Ethics of Selling Human Organs and Babies *An Advanced Section for Repeat Students from 2025 Program to be shared later* Program Schedule Questions About the Reason & Rationality Vision for Conversation-Based Education? Check out the frequently asked questions on our website or reach out to Reason & Rationality at info@reasonandrationality.com .

Our instructors hail from world-renowned institutions like Princeton, Oxford, and MIT, bringing unmatched expertise and passion to every session. Reason & Rationality Videos Instructors Debate Whether We Have Souls In this live debate, universe-renowned eminent philosophers debate whether we have souls. Who wins: dualism or physicalism? (1:09:54) Most Epic Instructor Debate of All Time Watch our instructors debate: Does God exist? (1:17:11) How To Publish Academic YouTube Videos Head of Instruction Joe Schmid, Princeton University PhD student, talks about how he publishes academic YouTube videos for his 32,000 subscribers. (36:03) What Reason & Rationality is All About Noah McKay explains what Reason & Rationality is all about. (0:54) Sophia Wyatt on Forgiveness Hear what Reason & Rationality Teaching Fellow Sophia Wyatt has to say on the concept of forgiveness. (1:02) Civil Discourse Dean of Academics, Peter Bach-y-Rita, explains why philosophical rigor is the key to civil discourse. (1:27) Reason & Rationality Podcast Ep. 1 Student and RNR staff member Claire Ziebart leads a discussion about what we value the most: Would you give up your life for a perfect but fake one? (23:45) Reason & Rationality Podcast Ep. 2 Claire Ziebart leads a discussion about whether some kinds of happiness can only be experienced if you have suffered. (22:54) 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 . Ready to jump into critical thinking and conversation? Apply Now

From the moment they join, students dive into an engaging, interactive environment where learning feels both fun and impactful. Reason & Rationality Student Experience 2026 Foundation Program Schedule 2026 Foundation Program Classrooms and Dorms Apply Now! From the moment they join, students dive into an engaging, interactive environment where learning feels both fun and impactful. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while dynamic discussions and collaborative problem-solving sessions bring complex ideas to life. Program Schedule Summer 2026 Program Schedule Week 1 Week 2 Week 2 Glimpse Into Classrooms and Dormitory Accomodation Princeton Theological Seminary Classrooms 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!

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

Question Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Reason & Rationality Learn More Foundation & Advanced Programs at Princeton Session 1: June 7 - June 19, 2026 Session 2: June 21 - July 2, 2026 Why It Matters and why you should care Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what your team does and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement. Statistics or Trust Badges 01 CALL OUT #1 02 CALL OUT #2 03 CALL OUT #3 04 CALL OUT #4 Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what your team does and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement. Additional Content Section For Further Context 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!

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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 2025 Student Essay Opportunity [Scroll down for published student essays] We are pleased to announce the Reason & Rationality 2025 Essay Opportunity. Students who want to keep thinking and exploring are invited to submit their short, original work (no AI assistance) for possible publication on the Reason & Rationality website. Here are the rules: Students who attended Reason & Rationality 2025 are invited to submit one philosophical essay of no more than 2,000 words (but note that shorter is better here), based on any one of the following prompts: What, if anything, do we owe to future generations? What is the difference between bullshit and lying? If you were forced to choose, would you save the life of one 13 year-old human or 10^10 mice? Is it morally permissible for a blogger to befriend a corporate executive with the intention of learning and publicly exposing the corporation's financial malfeasance (e.g., illegal tax evasion)? Topic of your choice -- Note: requires advance approval of the topic by Reason & Rationality prior to August 18, 2025. Instead of, or in addition to, a philosophical essay, students may submit a philosophical creative writing piece of no more than 3,500 words (this is an upper limit, submissions can be much shorter), that explores an ethical dilemma. Additional criteria for publication. Works must be philosophical in nature, original works by the author, and consistent with Reason & Rationality's values of intellectual virtue. Deadlines: Submit intention to participate by August 22, 2025, by emailing info@reasonandrationality.com . Final submission deadline is September 12. Submit final draft to info@reasonandrationality.com Decisions on publication will be made by October 18. A portion of the essays will be selected for publication on the Reason & Rationality website. No assistance or feedback will be provided with the writing process by Reason & Rationality Instructors. Published Student Essays What We Owe Future Generations , by Grace Glukhov The Cube Factory Paradox , by Michael Reiff Human and Animal Value , by Harry Moss Wisdom of the Seraph , by Harry Moss (a short story) Questions About the Reason & Rationality Vision for Conversation-Based Education? Check out the frequently asked questions on our website or reach out to Reason & Rationality at info@reasonandrationality.com .

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 2026 Foundation Program Classsrooms and Dorms 2026 Foundation 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.

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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.