Young Thinkers Summer School
THREE DAYS OF PHILOSOPHY, CRITICAL THINKING AND DEBATE – 21st – 23rd August 2012
Ages 11-14 • University of London Union • 10.30-16.30
In our three-day Young Thinkers Summer School we use thought experiments, debates and discussions to sharpen students’ analytical skills, introduce them to new ideas, and give them the confidence they need to argue effectively.
The subjects we discuss will range from topical issues, to moral problems from everyday life, to big questions which have plagued philosophers for centuries such as the nature of truth and reality.
The three days will include:
- Debates on moral issues such as “Is it wrong to steal if I am poor and hungry?”, “Can it ever be right to kill one person if you save lots of others?”, “Should the government ban smoking?”, “Is animal testing in the name of science OK?”
- Interactive thought experiments tackling issues such as “How do we know if we’re dreaming” and “What makes me the same person I was yesterday?”
- An introduction to logic and critical thinking.
- Exploring Harry Potter from a new perspective by studying the philosophy in Hogwarts!
All our tutors – graduates in philosophy and related disciplines from top universities – are friendly, approachable, and experienced working with this age group. Working in small groups, they will help students navigate through these fascinating and complex debates and will explain the issues at the right pace for them.
“Believe those who seek truth. Be suspicious of those who find it.”
There is no right answer – only questions, a range of methods to tackle them with, and the requirement to think logically and give reasons for your arguments. Informal group discussions permits students to get to grips with ideas in a relaxed environment. Formal debating exercises give everyone a chance to put their case.
Exploring moral, political and philosophical ideas provides an insight into new and exciting ways of thinking, so most students find the activities extremely rewarding in their own right, but this training also equips young students with skills for every sphere of life. Of course three days is only a tiny taste of what philosophy has to offer, but whetting the appetite for critical and logical thinking is a crucial first step.
Download a poster to display in your school here.
Feedback from the previous Young Thinkers events:
“Enjoyable and made me think!”
“I learned lots about myself and the concepts I use”
“I loved the debates, everyone was very friendly”
“There were lots of challenges but it was fun”
“I feel I have really improved my debating skills”
“It made me think in ways I hadn’t done before”
“The questions were great!”
Book a place
The fee for the Young Thinkers is £210 per student. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book a place please email info@debatechamber.com, call 0845 519 4827, or use the form below.
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you are applying for a bursary please do not complete this form, but instead complete the ‘Bursary Application Form’ here.
If you are a teacher interested in holding a Philosophy or Critical Thinking event at your school please click here.