PLATO is offering online philosophy classes for middle school students (ages 11-14) each quarter in the 2025-26 school year. 

Fall 2025: Philosophy of Film
Winter 2026: Philosophy and Role-Playing Games
Spring 2026: Philosophy with Ethics Bowl Cases

Each class will meet weekly for six weeks on Zoom. We welcome students from around the world.

At the end of the class, students who have completed the class will be provided with Certificates of Achievement.

Fall 2025: Philosophy of Film
Tuesdays – October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4 and 11
4-5:15 pm Pacific Time

What do films do, and how? In this class, we’ll explore the differences between film and other media (including television series, commercials, and video games), and ask how the different elements of a film – genre, set design, animation vs. live action, etc. – help filmmakers convey their messages. We’ll also watch a couple of short (<10 min.) films together and discuss the philosophical questions and ideas that they raise.

Instructor: Erica Bigelow is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington. She has facilitated classes with students ranging from elementary school to college ages.

Winter 2026: Philosophy and Role-Playing Games
Tuesdays – January 20 and 27, February 3, 10, 24, and March 3 (no class February 17)
4-5:15 pm Pacific Time

What can games teach us about real life? What is the difference between the roles we play in life and the characters we play in games? In this class we will learn about role playing games and explore what they can teach us about right and wrong as well as our own sense of self.

Instructor: JC Wright is a teacher at Qualia: The School for Deeper Learning in Calabasas, CA where he teaches Philosophy, Jazz Improvisation, and Game Design to students from 4th-12th grade. In both his daily practice and in numerous speaking opportunities across the world, JC defends that the creative arts and Game Based Learning are two of the best methods for teaching Social Emotional Intelligence, nurturing a student’s sense of empathy, and appreciating the practical significance of deep philosophical concepts which may otherwise appear esoteric. When he isn’t teaching, JC is the music director for GOOF, a Los Angeles music collective that live scores variety shows that include puppet, clown, and mime performances.

These classes will be interactive and collaborative, requiring attention and participation of all students. Students should have their cameras on during class, as visual presence both enhances a sense of community and increases accessibility for all participants.

Barring unforeseen circumstances and illness, we expect students to attend all six sessions in a series. Consistent attendance is important for building community and deepening our discussions over the weeks we meet.

Philosophical conversations involve topics about which reasonable people can disagree. All participants are expected to arrive prepared to listen carefully, thoughtfully engage with others’ ideas, and bravely share their own thoughts.

Session facilitators will ensure we maintain a respectful and intellectually safe community of inquiry. Students will experience the joys of thinking together about the ethical and other philosophical questions on our minds.

The cost for a six-week class is $100 for non-members, or $75 for PLATO members (become a member here).

Please use the form to the right (or below on mobile) to register for the fall, winter, and/or spring classes. 

Please register and make payment by the following deadlines:

Fall Class: Registration is now closed
Winter Class: Registration is now closed
Spring Class: Registration closes April 10, 2026

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is made. No refunds will be given after the registration deadline.

PLATO offers generous financial assistance for students. If you require a full or partial scholarship, please send an email to info@plato-philosophy.org before you register and indicate your reason(s) for the request and the extent of financial assistance you need.

Questions? Email info@plato-philosophy.org.