Philosophy possesses an extraordinary ability to delve into the deepest questions about the nature of existence, knowledge, ethics, and the human experience. The realm of philosophical inquiry beckons to be explored by those seeking intellectual stimulation and a profound understanding of fundamental questions. If you possess a passion for delving into the depths of philosophical thought, consider Oxford Summer Courses. Embark on a transformative journey through our Philosophy summer school, where you will have the opportunity to engage with timeless philosophical ideas, explore diverse philosophical traditions, and cultivate your capacity for critical thinking and reasoned discourse.

Where are Oxford Summer Courses Hosted?

For ages 9-12, our junior summer courses are hosted at renowned boarding schools including Harrow School, Eton College, and St. John's Beaumont. For ages 13-24, our summer courses are hosted in Cambridge and Oxford University colleges. Apply now to secure your spot in one of our prestigious summer courses.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the following list of books is recommended reading to broaden your knowledge and deepen your appreciation of philosophy. While some of these books may be included in the Oxford Summer Courses curriculum, the specific content of the summer school can vary. If you wish to study philosophy with us, you can apply to our Philosophy summer school.

1. Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius

• "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth."
• Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" is a timeless collection of personal reflections and stoic philosophy. Written during his reign as Roman Emperor, this work offers profound insights into ethics, resilience, and the human condition.
• Discussion: How do the stoic principles in "Meditations" resonate with contemporary ideas about mindfulness and mental well-being?

2. Being and Time, by Martin Heidegger

• "The question of the meaning of being is the fundamental question of philosophy."
• Martin Heidegger's "Being and Time" is a cornerstone of existential philosophy. It explores the nature of human existence, our relationship with time, and the concept of "Dasein" or being-in-the-world.
• Discussion: How does Heidegger's examination of human existence in "Being and Time" inform your understanding of personal identity and authenticity?

3. The Republic, by Plato

• "Justice means minding your own business and not meddling with men's concerns."
• Plato's "The Republic" is a seminal work in political philosophy. It delves into the nature of justice, the ideal state, and the allegory of the cave—a powerful metaphor for human knowledge and enlightenment.
• Discussion: How do the themes of justice and the ideal society in "The Republic" relate to contemporary debates on governance and ethics?

4. Thus Spoke Zarathustra, by Friedrich Nietzsche

• "Man is a rope, tied between beast and overman—a rope over an abyss."
• Friedrich Nietzsche's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" explores the concept of the "overman" or "Ubermensch." It challenges traditional morality and advocates for individual self-realization.
• Discussion: How does Nietzsche's philosophy of the overman resonate with modern ideas of personal autonomy and moral relativism?

5. Critique of Pure Reason, by Immanuel Kant

• "Thoughts without content are empty; intuitions without concepts are blind."
• Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" is a foundational work in epistemology and metaphysics. It explores the limits of human knowledge and the role of reason in shaping our understanding of reality.
• Discussion: How does Kant's examination of the relationship between knowledge and experience inform contemporary discussions on perception and reality?

6. The Tao Te Ching, by Laozi

• "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name."
• Laozi's "Tao Te Ching" is a classic of Taoist philosophy. It offers insights into the concept of the Tao (the Way) and its influence on human harmony and balance.
• Discussion: How does the philosophy of the Tao in "Tao Te Ching" relate to modern ideas about simplicity, mindfulness, and living in harmony with nature?

7. The Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle

• "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
• Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" is a seminal work in moral philosophy. It explores the nature of virtue, happiness, and the ethical life.
• Discussion: How do Aristotle's ideas on virtue and ethics in "Nicomachean Ethics" resonate with contemporary discussions on moral character and the good life?

8. Beyond Good and Evil, by Friedrich Nietzsche

• "Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster."
• Friedrich Nietzsche's "Beyond Good and Evil" challenges traditional notions of morality and explores the concept of the "will to power."
• Discussion: How does Nietzsche's critique of traditional morality in "Beyond Good and Evil" inform contemporary debates on ethics and values?

9. The Art of War, by Sun Tzu

• "All warfare is based on deception."
• Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is a classic treatise on strategy and conflict. It offers principles of leadership, tactics, and the psychology of warfare.
• Discussion: How do the strategic principles in "The Art of War" apply to modern contexts beyond the battlefield, such as business and diplomacy?

10. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas Kuhn

• "Normal science, the activity in which most scientists inevitably spend almost all their time, is predicated on the assumption that the scientific community knows what the world is like."
• Thomas Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" revolutionized the philosophy of science. It introduced the concept of paradigm shifts and challenged conventional views of scientific progress.
• Discussion: How does Kuhn's concept of paradigm shifts in "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" relate to contemporary developments in science and innovation?

Summary:

Oxford Summer Courses invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of philosophy during your time at our Philosophy summer school. In this blog post, we present a meticulously curated list of 10 classic philosophical works that will ignite your intellectual curiosity and deepen your understanding of the complexities of human thought. From Marcus Aurelius' stoic reflections in "Meditations" to Thomas Kuhn's paradigm-shifting ideas in "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," these philosophical works will serve as your guides on a transformative journey of inquiry and exploration. Through our Philosophy summer school, you will have the opportunity to delve into these influential texts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and refine your skills in critical thinking. Join us on this philosophical quest and embark on a transformative experience that will shape your understanding of the fundamental questions that define human existence. Who knows, you might just discover a newfound passion for philosophy and create a legacy of philosophical inquiry that resonates for generations to come.

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About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.