Philosophy Summer School (In-Person)

Our lives and our world are full of unanswered questions. The nature of knowledge, how we perceive and understand the world around us, what, if anything, is the meaning of our lives, how do we explain the key moral values that we try to live our lives by, or what is the relationship between consciousness and action?

Philosophy represents humanity’s best efforts to tackle these most profound of mysteries, using logic and discipline.

For 2023, the in-person Philosophy Summer School will include seminars on: Personal Identity – Applied Ethics – Epistemology – Philosophy of Mind – Phenomenology – Plato’s Republic

See a detailed schedule for this course.

We will engage in lively discussions, close textual analysis and exegesis (critical explanation and interpretation), use thought experiments to isolate philosophical intuitions and ideas, and explore our own and others’ attempted solutions to philosophical problems. The emphasis throughout will be on active participation and involvement.

Classes are kept small to enable everyone to have their say, and give plenty of opportunities to develop and express individual ideas and questions – as well as being a great chance to make some new friends who share your academic interests.

Philosophy is a discipline which develops key cross-curricular skills, developing clear, concise, and logical lines of reasoning, as well as the ability to put forward arguments and persuade others.

The Debate Chamber Philosophy Summer School is ideal for students who are thinking about studying philosophy at university, or who simply enjoy tackling thorny problems in a logical way and questioning their everyday assumptions.

For full booking and practical details just scroll down past the reviews.

Maze in the shape of a brainOur lives and our world are full of unanswered questions. The nature of knowledge, how we perceive and understand the world around us, what, if anything, is the meaning of our lives, how do we explain the key moral values that we try to live our lives by, or what is the relationship between consciousness and action?

Philosophy represents humanity’s best efforts to tackle these most profound of mysteries, using logic and discipline.

For 2023, the in-person Philosophy Summer School will include seminars on: Personal Identity – Applied Ethics – Epistemology – Philosophy of Mind – Phenomenology – Plato’s Republic

See a detailed schedule for this course.

We will engage in lively discussions, close textual analysis and exegesis (critical explanation and interpretation), use thought experiments to isolate philosophical intuitions and ideas, and explore our own and others’ attempted solutions to philosophical problems. The emphasis throughout will be on active participation and involvement.

Classes are kept small to enable everyone to have their say, and give plenty of opportunities to develop and express individual ideas and questions – as well as being a great chance to make some new friends who share your academic interests.

Philosophy is a discipline which develops key cross-curricular skills, developing clear, concise, and logical lines of reasoning, as well as the ability to put forward arguments and persuade others.

The Debate Chamber Philosophy Summer School is ideal for students who are thinking about studying philosophy at university, or who simply enjoy tackling thorny problems in a logical way and questioning their everyday assumptions.

For full booking and practical details just scroll down past the reviews.

‘The Philosophy Summer School was an incredible insight into the discipline of Philosophy. It was incredibly varied, and left me wanting more at the end of each session. It really does not matter if you have not previously studied philosophy; the summer school lays a greater foundation that cannot be paralleled to A-Level lessons. The tutors and the other students were incredibly supportive; the emphasis was not on what you knew, but how well you tackled what you didn’t know. Never have I learnt so much but felt like I knew so little. If you want to develop your mind this is for you!’

‘It’s such a good course to really spark an interest in the subject. Not only did I learn some key philosophical arguments, I also developed the ability to find the flaws in them which is invaluable.’

‘I found the five days very rewarding, challenging and interesting.  The tutors were all enthusiastic and the tuition was pitched at exactly the right level. I have been considering studying Philosophy at university but my school does not offer it as an A level option.  I wanted to find out what the subject would involve at degree level and the summer school certainly provided an excellent introduction.  As a result, I will definitely be applying to study Philosophy when I start the university application procedure next term.’

‘The Philosophy Summer School was an incredible insight into the discipline of Philosophy. It was incredibly varied, and left me wanting more at the end of each session. It really does not matter if you have not previously studied philosophy; the summer school lays a greater foundation that cannot be paralleled to A-Level lessons. The tutors and the other students were incredibly supportive; the emphasis was not on what you knew, but how well you tackled what you didn’t know. Never have I learnt so much but felt like I knew so little. If you want to develop your mind this is for you!’

Practical Details

Please note that is the page for the in-person course – click here for the online programme.

The Philosophy Summer School is open to students aged 15 – 18. The course is four days in length, and will take place on the 29th August – 1st September.

Teaching hours on each day will run from 10.30am till 4.30pm, with a lunch break and the venue will be Woburn House in Bloomsbury, Central London – see more location details. Please note that this event is non-residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

The cost for this four-day course is £595, and you can reserve your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment is due eight weeks in advance of the course start date. Please see here for full booking terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, simply call us on 0800 810 1058 or email us at [email protected]

We offer a limited number of full and partial bursaries (of up to 80% of fees) to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.