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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 is an intensive summer program where students explore 20 major topics in philosophy, economics, and decision-making, such as whether humans have free will, why democracies succeed or falter, what makes a belief justified, and how systems (from markets to moral norms) produce unexpected outcomes. Our instructors are Ph.D. students or young professors from leading philosophy programs, who teach in a close mentoring model that emphasizes intellectual play and humility. Outside the classroom, students often continue their conversations late into the evening in lounges and common spaces. Some of our students go on to participate in Reason & Rationality podcasts, which you can check out on this website. Both sessions of the Foundation Program are held at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. 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 program, students may also apply to attend a single week. Session 1 - Week 1: June 7 - 13, 2026 Session 1 - Week 2: June 14 - 20, 2026 Session 2 - Week 1: June 21 - 27, 2026 Session 2 - Week 2: June 27 - July 2, 2026 Hear Student Reflections: Hear Instructor Reflections: Foundation Program 2026 Sample Schedule Week One Week Two Program Schedule Tuition and Pricing The program fee of $6,900 covers all classes, activities, housing, and meals for the full two-week program ($4,600 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 for applications received after January 1, 2026 (was December 1, 2025). 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 Foundation & Advanced Programs at Princeton Session 1: June 7 - June 20, 2026 Session 2: June 21 - July 2, 2026 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 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: 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. Claire's Reason & Rationality Podcast Ep. 1 Claire Ziebart, a senior at the Cate School in Carpinteria, California, attended Reason & Rationality 2025 at Princeton and Swarthmore as our Student Services intern. Here she hosts a podcast with fellow RNR students, joined by instructor Joe Schmid. They discuss philosopher Robert Nozick's "experience machine" thought experiment.

The Reason & Rationality 2025 Convivium is open to students currently in grades 8 - 12. Please fill out the application form. Application Form and Deposit Primary Parent /Guardian Contact First Name* Primary Parent /Guardian Contact Last Name * Primary Parent /Guardian Contact Email* Primary Parent /Guardian Contact Phone * Primary Parent / Guardian Mailing Address * Student 1's First Name* Student 1's Last Name* Student 1's Email Address* Student 1's Phone Number* Student 1's Year of Graduation* Student 1's Gender* Name, City, & State of High School Attended* (If you want to apply for more than one student/sibling, please continue to submit this application form for your first student, make the deposit payment, and then email us at info@reasonandrationality.com for your second student.) 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. I acknowledge that Reason & Rationality allows students to leave campus during free time and that students are responsible for their own conduct while off campus. I also give permission for the Student to participate in weekend activities that may include unsupervised swimming, canoeing, and other water sports at a lake or swimming pool. I understand and accept the inherent risks of such activities. * 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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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!

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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 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 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. 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

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 .

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Teacher Recommendation Primary Parent / Guardian First Name Primary Parent / Guardian Last Name Primary Parent / Guardian Email Address (This will be used to log in to your account) Select an Address How Many Students Are You Signing Up? 1 Student 2 Students Student 1's First name Student 1's Last name Student 1's Email (Students will be copied on emails) Student 1's Phone Student 1's Year of Graduation Student 1's Gender Choose an option Student 1's Name, City, & State of High School Attended Student 2's First name Student 2's Last name Student 2's Email (Students will be copied on emails) Student 2's Phone Student 2's Year of Graduation Student 2's Gender Choose an option 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 Are You Interested In the Full Two Week Session, or a Single Week Session? Full Two-Week Session Single Week Only Full Two-Week Session Session 1 (June 7th - June 20th) - $6,900 (Early Bird Pricing) Session 2 (June 21st - July 2nd) - $6,900 (Early Bird Pricing) Single Week Only: Session 1 - Week 1: June 7 - 13, 2026 - $4600 Session 1 - Week 2: June 14 - 20, 2026 - $4600 Session 2 - Week 1: June 21 - 27, 2026 - $4600 Session 2 - Week 2: June 27 - July 2, 2026 - $4600 Full Two-Week Session Session 1 (June 7 - June 20) - $13,800 (Early Bird Discounted Price) Session 2 (June 21 - July 2) - $13,800 (Early Bird Discounted Price) Single Week Only Session 1 - Week 1: June 7 - 13, 2026 - $9,200 Session 1 - Week 2: June 14 - 20, 2026 - $9,200 Session 2 - Week 1: June 21 - 27, 2026 - $9,200 Session 2 - Week 2: June 27 - July 2, 2026 - $9,200 Send Thanks for submitting!