Why should I learn about philosophy?
- Do it for you.
- Do it for the skills.
- Do it for an advanced degree.
- Do it for a job.
- Do it for the money.
- Do it because it's a great experience.
Learn more about what you stand to gain from learning philosophy.
Why should I attend the Ohio State PACT Summer Camp?
First of all, because it’s fun. This isn’t a camp where you’ll simply hear other people talk about philosophy. It’s a camp where you’ll be doing philosophy yourself. You’ll investigate interesting topics through a variety of lively activities, from spirited debates to film analysis.
Second, because engaging in philosophy gives you incredibly valuable skills. It will strengthen your abilities in argument analysis, clear self-expression, critical thinking, and more—which will help you no matter where you’re going in life.
Last, because of the people you’ll meet. You’ll connect with other smart, like-minded students, and you’ll spend time with instructors who are leaders and rising stars in their fields of research. Making connections like these is a memorable, valuable experience, and it looks great on a college application, too!
Who will my fellow scholars be?
Participants will be students just like you insofar as they are high school students who are interested in getting to know more about philosophy and engage in thoughtful discussions.
Those accepted to the camp come from schools all across mid-Ohio, and sometimes from out-of-state. Coming from a diverse set of backgrounds, participants are given the opportunity to examine the issues at stake collaboratively and from a variety of perspectives. This is an educational opportunity that you may not be afforded within your own school.
What supplies will I need to attend the camp?
All materials will be provided by our instructors.
What are the dates of the camp?
Session I: June 23-27, 2025 from 9:00am-4:00pm.
Session II: July 14-18, 2024 from 9:00am-4:00pm.
Can I attend both sessions?
Yes! We welcome campers to enroll in both sessions. Different content will be offered each week.
Do I have to attend both sessions?
No! Feel free to apply to whichever week you are most interested in. The application form will ask you to express your preference if you can only attend one week but are interested in both.
When are applications due?
Applications are being accepted now. We will be admitting campers beginning February 1, 2025, and continue to admit thereafter until our available spots are filled.
Where can I find the online application form?
Both the online application form and the required academic recommendation can be found on our application page.
When will I find out whether I've been accepted?
Participants will begin to be notified of acceptance shortly after the applications are due. Depending on the number of applications, some students may be placed on a waitlist.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due 2 weeks after notification of acceptance.
Payments can be made via credit card through this secure portal.
Please make checks payable to "The Ohio State University" and mail them to:
Dr. Amy Shuster
OSU Dept. of Philosophy
230 N Oval Mall
University Hall 350B
Columbus, OH 43210
What if I can't pay the cost of tuition?
Scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition are available to those with financial need. The scholarship is an outright grant to the recipient, not a loan. For more information please contact us at PACT@osu.edu.
Is housing available?
In recent years, out-of-state campers have arranged to stay at a hotel or other temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, PACT and OSU cannot assist with this process.
Learn more about PACT:
Overview