Philosophy Summer School
Delve Into Philosophical Inquiry With the Minds Underground 2024 Philosophy Summer School
Discover the intricate world of Philosophy at Minds Underground's Philosophy Summer School, tailored for Year 12 students keen to explore Philosophical theories and epistemological systems.
What really is pain? Can robots think? If there is a God, does God Exist in Time? If these questions have piqued your interest then our philosophy summer school is the place for you. Embark on an explorative academic journey with Minds Underground™ wuth our University Preparation Summer School tailored for Year 12 students.
Our course offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in stimulating online group sessions led by our Oxbridge-educated tutors, gaining insights into key philosophical topics and debates. In this course you'll develop critical thinking skills in an academically challenging environment, setting a solid foundation for personal statements and philosophy-focused university interviews. Our sessions will explore captivating subjects like Dualism vs Physicalism, Functionalism, and Ontological Philosophy, preparing you with in-depth knowledge and confidence to articulate high level ideas for university application success.
Location: Online
Student Age: 15 - 18
Duration: 8 Weeks
Hours: 12 hours (Weekly 1.5hr session)
Dates: July - August
Why Join the Minds Underground Philosophy Summer School for Top UK & Oxbridge Philosophy Applicants?
Strengthen Philosophical Foundations For University Application Success
Gain exposure to fundamental Philosophical theories and applications, challenging you beyond school curricula and providing a solid groundwork essential for successful university applications and studies in Philosophy. Relevant for students applying for Oxford PPE and PPL, Cambridge Philosophy, and Philosophy degrees at top Russell Group Universities.
Guidance from Oxford and Cambridge-educated Philosophy Graduates
Participate in interactive online sessions led by experienced Oxbridge-educated Philosophy tutors, offering invaluable insights and mentorship to enhance your Philosophy education. Our Philosophy tutors are experienced in all aspects of Philosophy university application preparation.
Hone Analytical Thinking and Debate Skills To Excel in University Interviews & Beyond
Sharpen your analytical and debating skills through engaging discussions on intricate Philosophical concepts, preparing you for the academic rigour of university studies. Each session is structured like an Oxbridge seminar to stimulate high level debate and analysis.
Hone Key Skills Such as Ethical Reasoning and Logical Reasoning
Students will learn how to hone skills in logical reasoning, enabling them to identify and construct sound arguments, and assess the validity of claims. This will set students up for success in Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) Philosophy interviews, which are designed to assess a range of skills and qualities in candidates, including ethical and logical reasoning skills.
Benefit From a Carefully Tailored and Current Curriculum
Access a carefully curated curriculum covering diverse philosophical hot topics like Functionalism and Ontological theories. Our Oxbridge Philosophy tutors will ensure you gain exposure to cutting edge university level ideas and contemporary debates. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of ethical theories and principles, fostering the ability to critically evaluate ethical dilemmas .
Craft an Exceptional Philosophy Personal Statement
Students will be able to develop a compelling personal statement through exposure to high-level topics and ideas, ensuring their university application showcases their passion and aptitude beyond school studies.
A Taster of Philosophy Summer Course Topics
Dualism vs. Physicalism - What Really is Pain?
'Have you ever wondered if there was more to you than just your body? In this session we will delve into the two positions in constant loggerheads concerning the true nature of the mind, its ontological status, and what epistemological questions this might raise as a result. Along the way we cut to the heart of the debate - how many aspects are there to our reality, one or two? Your answer to this might place you in camp with the 'Qualia Freaks' or the 'Identity Theorists', but either way, our venture into 'what is a person' begins with this debate on substance monism or dualism.
The Problem of Other Minds - Is There a Beetle in My Box?
Having discussed just what a mind is, it's now time to consider this outside of our own cases; we will investigate the difficulties in justifying the seemingly common sensical belief that other people think and feel as I do, and indeed have a mind at all. We'll look at philosophical zombies, and what the problem of indirect knowledge means for the sceptic, and for us!
Functionalism: Can Robots Think?
The threat of an AI uprising plagues dystopian tropes throughout the media, but what truly grounds this modern fear? When we consider the functionalist's take on sensations as functional states of given organisms, it's easy to see how it might not simply be humans, or biological beings, who can 'think'. Looking at Turing's infamous test, and films like Ex Machina, we explore the possibility of functional states and why the two sentences "brains as machines" and "machines as brains" aren't as comparable as they may at first seem.
The Ontological Argument: Can We Establish the Existence of God Through Reason Alone?
Ontological arguments attempt to establish the existence of God a priori, relying on claims we can know by reason alone. Arguments of this kind have attracted a lot of attention because, despite their aura of trickery, they are strangely difficult to unpick. Here, we will examine various styles of ontological arguments (from Descartes, Anselm and Plantinga) and see whether any of them succeed in establishing the existence of God through reason alone.
If There is a God, Does God Exist in Time?
According to theism, God is an eternal being. There are two ways to cash out this notion of eternality. Either God is an eternal being that exists outside of time, or God is eternal and exists within time, at every moment of time. Atheists argue that inconsistencies in God’s nature arise by positing him as either temporal or atemporal, and that therefore God cannot exist. How might the theist resist this claim? Here, we will try and reconcile God’s relationship with time, demonstrating that if God exists, it is far more plausible that he exists within time.
Tackling Key Philosophical Questions
In this final session we will look at how to approach and tackle potential university interview questions using the knowledge we have gained. This will be an opportunity to employ all the knowledge of the previous sessions into a sustained debate. The session will cover examples of commonly asked interview questions (and answers!), and strategies for answering difficult questions across various formats with a particular focus on theoretical/ abstract questions.
Learn From Inspiring Oxbridge Philosophy Graduates
Example Oxford Philosophy Tutor: Sarah
Sarah graduated from Oxford with a First in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), topping the year in Philosophy. She was the recipient of multiple academic awards including the Hertford College Prize for Philosophy and the Prize for Politics in 2019, as well as the Hashomer Hatzair scholarship to participate in educational projects in Israel-Palestine in 2020. This year, Sarah is studying for a Master's in Philosophy at New York University, for which she achieved a full academic scholarship. Sarah currently specialises in early modern philosophy, social epistemology, political theory and feminist philosophy.
Example Cambridge Philosophy Tutor: George
George graduated from the University of Cambridge with a first in Philosophy. George was awarded the College Prize for first class tripos results, from Cambridge in 2020 and 2021. He was also an Academic Scholar at the University. George mentors students in application for Oxbridge across a range of subjects and has assisted students in successful entrance for Philosophy, via personal statement advice and interview preparation.
Booking the Philosophy Summer School
Book now to ensure your spot in the Summer School. Our booking page includes 2024 dates and pricing. We limit class sizes to facilitate group discussion, tailored support and individual feedback.
Are You Looking For Further Support For Your Philosophy Application?
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The Summer School is designed to provide exciting talking points for your personal statement. If you are looking for some one-to-one tuition tailored to your specific application, contact us to arrange sessions with an Oxbridge Philosophy tutor!
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We offer specialised preparation for Philosophy admissions tests, including the Oxford Philosophy Test, Oxford TSA, and the Cambridge Philosophy Test. Visit our Admissions Test page on the U2 Tuition website to learn more
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Are you preparing for future interviews at Oxford, Cambridge or other top universities? Our Oxbridge Philosophy tutors prepare students for all formats of interview question, hosting preparatory sessions and mock interviews. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ – Philosophy Summer School
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Attending the Philosophy Summer School aims to enhance critical thinking, communication, logical and ethical reasoning skills, and analytical skills—attributes highly valued in university admissions. The online course also offers networking opportunities, guidance for university applications, and a broader understanding of the rich field of Philosophy.
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While prior knowledge of Philosophy is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. The program is designed to cater to a range of knowledge levels, from beginners to those with a foundational understanding of Philosophy.
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Yes, indeed. This academic programme includes guidance on writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for university interviews, and gaining a deeper understanding of what universities seek in prospective Philosophy students. This can significantly enhance your university application process.
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The summer school is open to Year 12 students with an interest in Philosophy, aspiring to pursue higher education in Philosophy-related disciplines. It offers valuable insights and guidance to aid in making informed decisions about future academic and career paths. Our programme is also open to ambitious and curious Year 10 and Year 11s.
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Our Year 12 Philosophy Summer School is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Philosophical principles, theories, and their real-world applications. Participants will explore diverse topics such as functionalism, Evolution and Ontology.
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The steps to join us for our Philosophy Summer School 2024 are simple. Registration details and enrolment information can be found on the Summer School booking page. Complete the registration process and we will send you logistical details a month or so before the course commences.
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The Philosophy Summer School sessions take place weekly, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The course runs from July to September, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.
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Participants who successfully complete the programme are able to request a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to your academic achievements and university applications.
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Absolutely. Our Summer School is designed to provide personal guidance and support. We keep class sizes small to ensure lots of interaction and individual attention. You'll have the opportunity to interact with our team of experts, ask questions, and receive assistance with your academic and university preparation needs.
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Yes, we understand that scheduling conflicts can arise. We offer an offline programme option where students unable to attend live sessions can receive full session recordings and materials. This allows you to engage with the content at your own pace and convenience.
How does the offline program work, and what materials will I receive?
Students opting for the offline programme will receive access to recorded sessions, lecture materials, assignments, and resources related to each session. You can review the content at your own convenience, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable information.
Can I still interact with instructors and ask questions if I choose the offline option?
While the offline Summer School doesn't provide real-time interaction with instructors, we encourage participants to reach out with questions through email. Our team is committed to providing support and addressing queries to enhance your learning experience.
Are there specific deadlines or timelines to follow for the offline programme?
The offline programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to set your own pace within the programme's overall duration. However, we recommend staying on track with the programme schedule to ensure you have ample time for completion and any potential follow-up questions.
How do I enrol in the offline programme, and is there a separate registration process?
To enrol in the offline programme, simply follow the same registration process as for the live sessions on our website. During registration, you can indicate your preference for the offline option. You will receive access to the programme materials upon completion of each session.
Is there a difference in the cost between the live and offline programme options?
The cost for both the live and offline programme options remains the same. We aim to provide a flexible learning experience that accommodates different needs and schedules without additional cost considerations.
Can I switch from the live programme to the offline programme (or vice versa) if my circumstances change?
Yes, you can switch between the live and offline programme options based on your circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss any changes or transitions in your programme participation.
How do I access the recorded sessions and materials for the offline programme?
After registering for the offline programme, you will receive instructions on how to access the recorded sessions and materials through our online platform. This information will be provided to you before the start of the programme.
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The summer school primarily focuses on immersive learning and skill development rather than formal assessments. The emphasis is on exploring advanced topics, problem-solving, and honing essential skills for future academic pursuits.
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If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us through the contact form on our website or send an email to enquiries@mindsunderground.com, quoting your contact number in case your email ends up in our Spam folder! Our team will be happy to assist you with any queries.