Further your understanding of philosophy and theology with one to one tutorials, small reading group, and lectures led by experts.
Who is this for?
- Sixth-form and high-school students who want to explore philosophy and theology beyond the classroom.
- Independent learners curious to deepen their understanding of classic texts and big questions.
- Adults and enthusiasts seeking structured spaces for reading, reflection, and discussion
- Anyone who is curious in learning philosophy and theology in a 1-1 tutorial system. A taste of the Oxbridge education.
What We Offer?
Philosophy and Theology Tutorials
Modelled on the Oxbridge tutorial system, these sessions are built around close reading and discussion of key ideas. From writing essays to defending your arguments, these tutorials train you through the Socratic method.
Philosophy is not just about learning what others have thought, but about being able to test and present your own ideas in dialogue and in writing. The tutorial system, developed in Oxbridge, is designed precisely for this purpose. To allow students to not only digest complex information with precision, but to also develop one’s own arguments and to defend them with clarity and rigour. By engaging with a tutor about the contents of your essay, the process pushes you to clarify your reasoning, sharpen your articulation, and engage directly with counterarguments. In extension, this develops quick thinking as well as oratory skills. For this reason, Philosophy Circle introduces you to tutors, some of whom even have teaching experience at Oxbridge, to strengthen your skills in philosophy and theology.
How tutorials work?
Step 1: Decide what subjects or themes you are interested in
Given the intricacies of each theme in philosophy and theology, it is impossible for anyone to claim expertise in every topic available. Thus, a clear idea of what you want to work on is greatly beneficial.
Step 2: Reach out to us with relevant information
Let us know what topics you would like us to cover as well as what you want to get out of the tutorial. Developing oratory skills will be different than if you want to improve your writing. By telling us your goals and your themes of interest, we will be able to introduce you to the right tutor.
Step 3: Arrange a time and plan with the tutor
If we are able to find a suitable tutor for your interests, we work on arranging a time as well as a prospective plan which will best allow you to pursue your goals.
Step 4: Prepare for the session
Depending on what your goals are, the tutor may reach out to you with reading lists, essay prompts, and further instructions which you may have to complete prior to the tutorial to allow you to make the most out of the session.
Step 5: Attend the session
In the session, the tutor will cover any written work that you submitted as well as answer any questions which may have come up during the reading. They may also challenge you based on your arguments and give you feedback on your responses. This will allow you to develop your skills.
Step 6: See if you have further questions or interests in the topic
If you feel like you want to explore the topic even further, you can reach out to our team to arrange further sessions with the tutor. After all, many topics in philosophy and theology cannot be covered to a suitable extent within one hour. However, if you have some short questions after the tutorial, feel free to send them to us so we can send these to the tutor.
How to arrange?
To arrange a tutorial session, please reach out to us directly on email: admin@logos-education.com, or reach out to us through our contact form.
Reading Groups
Work through some of the most influential texts in the history of philosophy and theology alongside fellow students guided by an expert on the topic. This allows you to meet other enthusiasts as well as learn from differing perspectives and ideas.
In our reading groups, participants come having read a text or passage, with focus on open discussion and sharing of ideas. Everyone brings their own perspective, questions, and confusions, under the guidance of an expert in the field. Through dialogue, one’s understanding of the topic is tested and enhanced, allowing one to attain a richer understanding of the material.
How reading groups work?
Step 1: Philosophy Circle chooses certain reading groups to run
Depending on interest and availability of experts, Philosophy Circle will announce prospective reading groups on key themes in philosophy and theology. Make sure to sign up to our newsletter to be updated by these reading groups.
Step 2: Reach out to us with your interest
If you are interested in a certain topic, fill out the form on the reading group post.
Step 3: If sufficient numbers, Philosophy Circle will confirm
If there is sufficient interest in a reading group, Philosophy Circle will confirm in advance that the group will run and send out information for that group.
Step 4: Prepare for the session
To prepare for the reading groups, the tutor will send out reading material as well as discussion questions. This will allow for a brief understanding of the topic and material.
Step 5: Attend the session
Depending on topic and tutor, during the session, students will work through the text, sharing their ideas and interpretations under the guidance of the tutor. This is an opportunity for students to make the most out of the reading groups.
How to arrange?
To demonstrate interest in our reading groups, please go directly to the form on the post announcing our reading group, these can be found on our ‘Upcoming Events‘ page. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us on our contact form or through email.
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Expert Guest Lectures
We invite leading scholars to give lectures on their fields of interest in philosophy and theology. These are designed for everyone, from schools to churches to learners seeking to encounter new voices.
Lectures have long been a staple of university learning. While these may not train Socratic skills in the same way as reading groups and tutorials, they allow for students to hear from leading professors and scholars, offering the chance for them to engage directly with expert voices. A lecture often introduces big themes, key thinkers, and new perspectives that can open up areas of philosophy and theology which may otherwise be inaccessible. If certain speakers or topics are popular, we may consider doing further lecture series on each issue.
How lectures work?
Step 1: Philosophy Circle announces prospective lecture list
Depending on interest and availability of experts, Philosophy Circle will announce a prospective list of guest speakers and themes. Make sure to sign up to our newsletter to be updated on these lecture lists.
Step 2: Reach out to us with your interest
If you are interested in a certain topic, fill out the form on the reading group post.
Step 3: If sufficient numbers, Philosophy Circle will confirm
If there is sufficient interest in a lecture, Philosophy Circle will confirm in advance that the lecture will run and send out further information.
Step 4: Prepare for the lecture
To prepare for the lecture, the lecturer may send out reading material as well as a brief introduction. One can use these materials to see if they have any questions to ask the lecturer.
Step 5: Attend the lecture
Most lectures start with a presentation from the speaker followed by an opportunity to ask questions to the speaker. This will give time both for a clear introduction of the main ideas as well as an opportunity to ask what one is confused about.
How to arrange?
To demonstrate interest in our lectures, please go directly to the form on the post announcing the lecture on our upcoming events page. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us on our contact form or through email.
Want a taste of scholarly engagement?
Our YouTube channel, Philosophy for All, regularly hosts leading scholars to introduce areas of their expertise.
FAQs
What happens in a reading group?
Each group runs for 4-6 weeks with 6-10 participants. Prior to the reading group, Philosophy Circle arranges a PhD student or scholar to choose a seminal text or texts which fall under a theme of their expertise. Participants then sign up to the reading group, discuss key passages, and share insights. These give the general public a small-group seminar format which would be found at most universities.
Do I need prior knowledge to join?
While prior knowledge is always helpful for engaging with philosophy, no knowledge on the topic is required for reading groups or tutorial sessions. The most important thing is one’s interest and desire to engage with the material and the session to get the most out of it.
Can I request a lecture or seminar on a specific theme?
Because our lectures, reading groups, and seminars are usually planned as part of a series, we can’t accommodate every individual request. However, if you have a specific theme in mind, our tutorials are more flexible, we’ll do our best to connect you with a PhD student or expert who can guide you through it one-to-one. If we notice strong interest from several learners in the same topic, we’ll explore arranging it on a larger scale as a lecture or seminar.
Still have more questions?
We’re happy to help. If your question isn’t listed here, get in touch and we’ll respond within 3 business days.