# The Dialectic

ASU's week-long philosophy day camp in Tempe on civic virtue, disagreement, and community, taught by graduate students and faculty. $400, open to rising 9th graders through recent 12th graders.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Arizona State University School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies |
| Category | other |
| Cost | $400 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 8–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Tempe, AZ |
| Time commitment | ~35 hours/week |
| Apply | https://shprs.asu.edu/PHIsummercamp |

## About this program

# The Dialectic

The Dialectic is the philosophy summer camp of Arizona State University's School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. Held in Lattie F. Coor Hall on the Tempe campus, it uses a seminar format led by ASU philosophy graduate students, supplemented by guest lectures from faculty. The subject matter is deliberately civic: openmindedness, intellectual humility, empathy, and how to argue productively across political difference.

## What You'll Do

- Investigate questions about civic virtue, community-building, and reasonable disagreement in small seminars
- Attend guest lectures from ASU philosophy faculty
- Practice steelmanning and structured disagreement with peers who hold different views
- Spend the week inside a university department, dining in ASU facilities and using its spaces

## Who Should Apply

The Dialectic is open to any student who was in high school (9th-12th grade) during the previous school year, or who is just graduating 8th grade - so rising freshmen through graduating seniors. It is a day program running roughly 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., best suited to students in the Phoenix metro area.

## Outcomes

Participants build the habits that ethics bowl, debate, and college seminars reward: charitable reading of opposing views, precise argument, and comfort disagreeing in public. Tuition is $400 and covers instruction, lunches, materials, and facilities access.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does The Dialectic cost?

The Dialectic costs $400. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for The Dialectic?

The Dialectic is open to students in grades 8–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is The Dialectic online or in person?

The Dialectic is an in-person program based in Tempe, AZ. Expect a time commitment of roughly 35 hours per week.

### How do I apply to The Dialectic?

Apply directly through Arizona State University School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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