The Thought Workshop VII: The Birth of Modern Philosophy

Early Modern Philosophy — A Philosophy Series for Home-Educated Teens

Join us as we explore one of the most dramatic turning points in Western thought, when Medieval certainties gave way to new methods of inquiry, sceptical questioning, and bold reimaginings of knowledge, nature, and the self. This series examines how thinkers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries broke with the Scholastic tradition and laid the foundations of the modern world.

Morning Session: Texts and Ideas We will delve into selected texts from the Early Modern period, tracing how philosophers challenged inherited assumptions and forged new approaches to science, politics, ethics, and metaphysics.

Afternoon Session: Discussion After lunch, we will discuss ideas emerging from these texts. Students will be encouraged to express diverse viewpoints, fostering a spirit of inquiry and independent thought.

Details

When: Five Thursdays — April 30, May 7, 14 & 28, and June 4 (please note: there is no session on May 21)

Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ages: 13–18 years

Location: Fusion Oakleigh Youth and Community Centre, 185 Warrigal Rd, Hughesdale

Format: Five sessions, each with a morning text exploration and afternoon discussion

Skills developed: Critical thinking · cultural and historical literacy · ethical reasoning · respectful discussion

Preparation for Class Weekly preparation will be light (less than one hour) and may include short readings and YouTube videos to provide historical and conceptual background.

Weekly Outline

• Week 1 : Bacon & Descartes

• Week 2 : Pascal

• Week 3 : Hobbes & Locke

• No session May 21

• Week 4 : Leibniz

• Week 5 : Spinoza

All text extracts will be provided. Students may be asked to print and bring copies to class.

Community Lunch Sessions are scheduled around the Fusion community lunch. Students are welcome to join between the morning and afternoon sessions. Donations to Fusion are optional (cash preferred).

Cost and How to Book The five-week series costs $120. A student's place will be secured on receipt of the series fee. Please contact the series coordinator, Marjorie Solomon, to arrange direct payment (not through Humanitix):

Email: thehomeofthewhales@gmail.com

Phone: 0452 515 302

Places are limited.

Coordinator Marjorie Solomon is a home-educating mother with a strong commitment to ideas, texts, history, and critical thinking. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts (English) and works as a writer and publisher.