Philosophy for Students: Dialogue to Save the World
Program Description:
The overall goal of this program is to practice the art of philosophical discussion and creation. Enrolled students will spend much of their time engaging in dialogue with one another around philosophical topics, such as justice, truth, and beauty. Together, we will create a space where we use philosophy to consider some of the most pressing questions of our time:
- What does justice mean, and how and where can we put it into action?
- How should we exist given the realities of climate change?
- How does one’s identity form within a society, and how is society shaped by individuals?
- What happens when we don’t share a conception of truth?
- How are we to understand the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class?
- What is the purpose of education, and is our society currently fulfilling that purpose?
There is a deep need to discuss these pressing topics—and further yet, a deep need to learn how to dialogue about them—and this program will provide that space.
In addition to dialogue, we will explore the intersection between philosophy and the arts. This will include workshops on philosophy and literature, poetry, film, and improv. Students in the program will also have the opportunity to create a work of philosophy in the form of a zine, a piece of creative writing, or a performance.
Dates: July 6 - 17, 2026
Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday
Location: In-person at Teachers College
Price: $3,995 - Application fee waived until January 1, 2026, a $75 savings
For more information, questions, group rates or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
Instructor(s)
Sara Hardman is a Lecturer in the program of Philosophy and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her doctorate in Philosophy and Education from Columbia University in 2022, and her primary research interests include aesthetics and feminist philosophy. In her current role, she has taught courses such as “Philosophies of Education,” “Ethics and Education,” “School and Society,” “Education and the Aesthetic Experience,” and “Critical Perspectives in Philosophy of Education.” Sara studies and researches education in the broad sense of the term, one that includes schooling as much as it includes human development. She encourages her students to think about how we become who we are, and how we relate to the world and to others. Sara is also the coordinator of the program’s Philosophy Outreach group, where she organizes opportunities for students to learn how to facilitate pre-college philosophical conversation. She is also a long-time supporter and volunteer for the New York High School Ethics Bowl.
Sara will be working with a team of faculty and doctoral students from the program, who have all been trained in pre-college philosophy facilitation, particularly the Philosophy for Children method. They have a passion for introducing philosophy to K-12 students, and expanding students’ skills in the art of philosophical discourse.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Gain a better understanding of distinct philosophical theories, frameworks, and ideas;
- Use philosophical ideas to discuss important concepts (e.g., democracy, justice, friendship, beauty) and contemporary ethical issues (e.g., climate change, artificial intelligence, protests, gender norms);
- Understand how philosophy can help make sense of the complex political and social realities of the world;
- Be better able to articulate their perspectives, listen to others, and engage in productive dialogue with their peers;
- Be better able to construct a philosophical argument in both spoken and written form;
- Understand how philosophy can intersect with various arts, such as literature, theater, and dance;
- Engage in group and individual projects that utilize philosophical thinking.
Who Should Attend
TC Pre-College courses are open to students ages 14-17. All courses are conducted in English and learners should have sufficient fluency to participate.
The Philosophy for Students summer program is suitable for any high school student who has a desire to ask big questions, dialogue about philosophical issues, and create a work of philosophy. It is suitable for both students who have philosophy experience and for students who are completely new to the subject. Students interested in any undergraduate program will find that it intersects with philosophy at its foundation. However, this program might be a particularly relevant stepping stone for students interested in studying subjects in the arts and humanities, as well as for pre-law students.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
