Course Description

If given the opportunity, would you plug into a machine that simulates the perfect life or choose to live real life with unpredictable experiences? Can a machine ever really be human-like without genuine human experiences? If you had the power to get away with anything, would you still have a reason to do what's right? 

Through this course, students will engage with a variety of philosophical subjects, from social philosophy, to ethical philosophy, as well as philosophical understandings of the world. In this course students will be able to use their interests in reading, art, and engaging with peers to consider these questions and others to allow students to practice their critical thinking, critical analysis, and reading comprehension skills. Using collaborative inquiry to analyze thought experiments and stories, our goal is to elevate our confidence in communication and dialogue. 

Students can expect each day to have a variety of activities that prompt us to think and talk about philosophical questions and ideas. Some of these activities include listening to stories, engaging with art and technology, improvisational games, and many others. Though this course is mainly focused on participating in philosophical dialogue, the aim of the instructor is to provide hands-on ways for students to engage with their critical thinking skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will know/be able to:

  • Analyze philosophical ideas and perspectives.
  • Express and exchange ideas clearly in writing, dialogue, or other forms of literacy.
  • Communicate ideas effectively in discussions.
  • Engage in philosophical dialogue with peers.
  • Understand Philosophical Inquiry by exploring fundamental questions and concepts.
  • Understand types of inquiry by being able to identify what makes a question philosophical. 
  • Understand types of reasoning through the practice of expressing opinions to peers. 
  • Use reflective questioning to deepen understanding.
  • Respectfully engage with diverse viewpoints.
  • Foster openness and empathy in philosophical discussions.

Other Information

  • Students will be required to bring a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.
  • This course has no homework, but does have optional activities/assignments outside of the program day.
  • This course includes field trips off the UW Campus and we be using public transportation. 

Who Should Apply

  • Students currently in 5th or 6th grade.

Week Overview

Date Theme/Topic 
Week 1 Topic: Ethics 

We will inquire about what makes something right or wrong, good or bad, and investigate how we have arrived at this 

Field Trip to Movie Theatre 

Week 2 Topic: Metaphysics (The study of the nature of being) & Semiotics (The study of symbols and their meanings)

We will engage with philosophy through art to inquire how symbols can communicate ideas.

Field Trip to Seattle Art Museum

Week 3                       Topic: Epistemology (The study of knowledge, the nature of knowing)

We will inquire about the nature of knowing something through engaging with nature and animals. To do this we will look at the ways that western science and folktales engage with nature and animals. 

Field Trip to Woodland Park Zoo

Instructors

Details

Cost

  • $1450
    • $1400 (tuition)
    • $50 (registration fee)

Time

9am - 2:30pm

Location

  • University of Washington Seattle Campus
  • Building and Room TBD

Date

  • July 6th-24th, 2026
  • Monday - Friday

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full tuition refund: April 10th
  • 50% tuition refund: April 11th-May 8th
  • No refund: after May 8th