Homeschool Philosophy Club for Middle Schoolers

*Important: Due to the discussion-based and interactive nature of the class, cameras are required to be kept on for the duration of class. Thank you! :)

The Homeschool Philosophy Club for Middle Schoolers is both a teacher and learner-led discussion-based class. It is ongoing club for homeschooled middle schoolers with little to no background in philosophy to come together and join in relaxed but loosely guided philosophical conversations with their peers. Each week, I will start by introducing some topic choices and/or philosophical questions. Learners will be encouraged to explore what direction the conversation takes them in. I will help by providing prompts, guidance, moderation, and but also sharing relevant vocabulary, concepts, and/or theories when applicable. 

*Again, this class is both teacher and learner-directed. Therefore, topic choices will come from both the teacher and students as we explore the academic discipline of philosophy together.


PAST AND UPCOMING SCHEDULE (Since classes are learner-led, the schedule below applies specifically to the Friday 7:30 p.m. EST class but the schedule will be updated for other groups accordingly): 

*All topics are tied to different branches and elements within the academic discipline of philosophy.

9/20: Generative AI Programs
9/27: Technological Innovations 
10/4:  Observations of Nature and Animals 
10/11: Animals, Nature, Metaphor, and Stories
10/18: Finding Good from Struggles
10/25: Reflections on Animal Natures
11/1: "Magic," Science, and Technology
11/9: Science Fiction Reflections: Time 
11/15: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios 
11/22: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios (Continued)*
11/29: No Class (Thanksgiving Holiday)
12/6: Exploring Questions from the Main Branches of Philosophy 
12/13: Humans and AI 
12/20 and 12/27: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Everyday Life
1/3: Philosophy and Self-Reflection
1/10: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Everyday Life
1/17: Plato's Metaphysics
1/24: Questions on the Nature of Reality
1/31: Reflections on the Nature of Dreams
 2/7: Reflections on the Nature of Dreams Part 2*
2/14: Philosophy of Language (Valentine-themed)
2/21: Explorations in Creativity (Topic: Seasons and Nature)
2/28: Human Behavior and Ethics
3/7: Moral Dilemmas
3/14: Moral Dilemmas 
3/21: Moral Dilemmas 
3/29: Metaphysical Reports: Distinguishing Truth from Reality 
4/4 and 4/11: Metaphysical Reports: Distinguishing Truth from Reality (cont.)*
4/18: Genetic Engineering
4/25: No class meeting
5/2: The Growing Nature of AI 

*New students are always welcome to join anytime! For any topics with a "Part 2" or that are a "continued" discussion, we will be happy to give you a quick background on what we are exploring as a group at the beginning of class! 

       (Note: In this primarily learner-led club, the next subject for discussions may be subject to change depending on what the learners decide at the beginning of the meeting and if they have any different philosophical questions for the group)

Drop in any time! :)

Prior knowledge of philosophy is not required and advanced students may benefit more from 1:1 tutoring or my more formal academic series course.