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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

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. Taught by Ph.D. students and young professors from Princeton, Harvard and other excellent 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 create their own student podcasts and projects that you can explore on this website. Sample Topics : Foundation Program topics include free will and determinism; probabilistic arguments for the existence of God; the legitimacy of democratic political institutions; and and how economists and philosophers think about cost-benefit analysis, utility maximization, and their limits. Location : Both sessions of the Foundation Program are held at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. 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 - June 7 - 20, 2026 Session 2 - June 21 - July 2, 2026 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. The Oral Exam Contest follows the same oral examination methods used in Princeton undergraduate courses. We are excited to announce that Benjamin Morison, the Chair of the Princeton University Philosophy Department, will join the judging panel for the 2026 competition. Participation in the Oral Exam Contest involves a small additional tuition charge. Link. Use the button below to set up a Zoom Call with Dean of Academics Peter Bach-y-Rita and learn more: Zoom Calendly Hear Student Reflections: Hear Instructor Reflections: Foundation Program 2026 Schedule Week One Week Two Program Schedule 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 and will be promptly refunded if the application is not accepted; the remaining balance is due by March 15, 2026. Reason & Rationality will refund the full deposit and any tuition payments if a withdrawal request is made prior to March 15, 2026. Program fees will increase on March 15, 2026; however, applications submitted with deposit before March 15 will be honored at the current rate, even if supporting materials (such as teacher recommendations) are received afterward. If your student requires 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 Foundation & Advanced Programs in Princeton NJ Session 1: June 7 - June 20, 2026 Session 2: June 21 - July 2, 2026 Session 2 and Middle School Programs accepting applications 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. Reason & Rationality Master Class for High School Teachers There is a style of classroom discussion that at once invites more contention and remains more convivial than what most high school students are used to. For teachers interested in understanding the Reason & Rationality method, we invite you to join us for a master class on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. For more information, please contact: info@reasonandrationality.com . 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

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) Student Project Ep. 1 Student Claire Ziebart produced her own podcast after attendiong RNR. Here she leads a discussion about what we value the most: Would you give up your life for a perfect but fake one? (23:45) Student Project Ep. 2 Student Claire Ziebart produced her own podcast after attendiong RNR. Here Claire leads a discussion about whether some kinds of happiness can only be experienced if you have suffered. (22:54) Instructors Debate the Existence of Free Will Special event held at The Collegiate School in New York City in Fall 2025 (01:07:30) 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

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 2026 Summer Program is open to students currently in grades 8 - 12. Admission is limited because of the small student-instructor ratio. Please complete and submit the application form below. Reason & Rationality welcomes intellectually curious high school students from all schools and backgrounds, from the USA and internationally. In Summer 2025, some of our students came 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 • 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. Summer 2026 Tuition and Pricing: Tuition for Early Bird Enrollment (prior to Nov 15, 2025) is $6900 for the full program (room and board included). Normal price is $7900. If you have financial need, please contact us about a $1,000 discount. All applicants must submit a $1,000 deposit, which will be returned if your application is not accepted. Session I: Princeton Theological Seminary - June 7th through June 19th Session 2: Princeton Theological Seminary - June 21st through July 2nd Student's First name* Student's Last name* Students Email* Phone Number* Gender* Year of Graduation* Home Mailing Address* Name, City & State of High School Attended* Primary Parent /Guardian Contact First Name* Primary Parent /Guardian Contact Last Name * Primary Parent /Guardian Mailing Address* Primary Parent /Guardian Contact Email* Primary Parent /Guardian Contact Phone * 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 am the parent or legal guardian of the student applicant. I have read and agree to the Student Handbook and the Talent Release Form . By checking this box, I confirm that my agreement is legally binding and that this checkbox serves as my electronic signature. Deposit will be promptly returned if your application is not accepted. $1,000 Deposit Amount Submit Application and Pay Deposit

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!

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 2026 Convivium summer program at Princeton Theological Seminary (June 7-19) and (June 21 - July 2). 2026 Reason & Rationality Oral Exam Competition Benjamin Morison Department Chair Princeton University (Philosophy) As elite colleges and their admissions offices continue to navigate widespread use of AI-assisted writing, grade inflation, and extensive outside support, many are re-examining how best to assess a student’s genuine intellectual engagement. In response, oral examinations are re-emerging as a way of evaluating how students actually think. Oral exams assess skills that cannot be outsourced: verbal clarity, intellectual agility, true command of the content, and composure under questioning. They require students to explain ideas aloud, defend claims in real time, and respond thoughtfully to follow-up questions. The Reason & Rationality Oral Exam Competition & Training Program is the first oral exam contest of its kind for high school students, and it reflects the kind of intellectual evaluation students will increasingly encounter in college seminars, interviews, and advanced coursework. The two-week Reason & Rationality Program includes training in how best to prepare for oral exams. Students who participate receive focused preparation in how to: Process of crafting compelling oral arguments Understand the criteria in which oral exams are evaluated Think aloud with clarity and structure Defend claims under sustained questioning Respond thoughtfully to challenges and counterarguments Maintain composure and intellectual openness in evaluative conversations For students who wish to go further, Reason & Rationality also offers an optional Oral Exam Competition, the first of its kind for high school students. The competition is open to students attending the full 2-week program. Participation is free for students in the Advanced Program (returning Reason & Rationality alumni) and is $700 for all other students. We are especially excited to announce that Benjamin Morison, the Chair of the Princeton University Philosophy Department, will join the judging panel for the 2026 competition. Winners and Honorable Mention results from the Reason & Rationality Oral Exam Competition will be published online providing students a unique and meaningful opportunity to stand out in their college applications. 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 .

Item List Intersession Seminar (Private Event) Nueva School, CA Read More Free Will: The Debate The Collegiate School, NY Read More Seminar and Ethics Bowl Competition The Pingry School, NJ Read More Seminar for Ethics Class (Private Event) Rutgers Prep, NJ Read More

Reason & Rationality Foundation & Advanced Programs at Princeton Session 1: June 7 - June 19, 2026 Session 2: June 21 - July 2, 2026 Apply Now 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 become confident independent thinkers. 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. Hear Student Reflections: Hear Instructor Reflections: See 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 See What Parents Are Saying About Reason & Rationality's Princeton 2025 Program Watch 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 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 .

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 .