Meet the Philosophers (Age 13+)
Journey Through Great Minds: Political Philosophy for Critical Thinkers (Block 1 out of 5)
Available spots
Course Description
Discover the ideas that shaped civilisation through dynamic discussion and Socratic inquiry! This class takes Thinkers on a transformative journey through the most influential political philosophers in the West and beyond. Rather than passive learning, you'll engage in vibrant Socratic discussions, thought experiments, and critical analysis that sharpens your analytical skills while exploring timeless questions about power, justice, and human nature. We don't just learn about philosophers—we think with them. You'll analyse contemporary problems through philosophical lenses, make connections across different thinkers, and develop your own reasoned positions on complex issues. Each philosopher's ideas emerge from their historical moment and personal story, helping you understand not just what they thought, but why their ideas revolutionised human thinking. This class meets all year, and you can book all or single blocks. You can also block single sessions (email us), and there are bursaries available (email us) - we will do all we can to help Thinkers join this class. Please note the class plan below is flexible - we can change what we cover based on Thinkers' interests. Block 1: Introduction to Philosophy (6 Sessions) Session 1: What Is Philosophy? How Do We Know? Session 2: Logic & Fallacies - Master the tools of clear thinking and reasoning Session 3: Western Philosophy: the Presocratics and Socrates Session 4: Trying out big Questions - discussing time, beauty, and justice through philosophical lenses Session 5: Review & Synthesis - Connect the dots and prepare for your philosophical journey ahead Block 2: Meet the Philosophers - Ancient Wisdom (6 Sessions) Session 1: Plato - Explore the world of Forms and the philosopher-king Session 2: Aristotle - Master of logic, ethics, and the golden mean Session 3: The Stoics, Cynics & Roman Philosophy - Ancient wisdom for modern resilience, radical virtue, and philosophy in the public sphere Session 4: Hellenistic Schools - Epicureans, Sceptics, and the pursuit of happiness Session 5: Early Christian Philosophy - How faith met reason in the ancient world Session 6: Review & Synthesis Block 3: Medieval Wisdom & Political Giants (6 Sessions) Session 1: Augustine & Aquinas Session 2: Islamic Thinkers - Avicenna & Averroes Session 3: Machiavelli Session 4: Hobbes - Session 5: Locke and Rousseau Session 6: Review and consolidation (Next 2 blocks to be listed in 2026)
Cancellation Policy
All our classes require a minimum number of Thinkers to run. As soon as enough Thinkers sign up you will receive an e-mail from the Scholar running your class with a link to your virtual classroom. If we cannot gather enough thinkers to run a class we will, sadly, have to cancel and/or reschedule. If this is the case, we will e-mail 24 hours before your class is scheduled to start to let you know. To help ensure that your class does take place, please invite others to join you. We find that word of mouth is the best way to let new families know about Thinkers Meet Up. Thank you!
Contact Details
thinkersmeetup@protonmail.com