Philosophy – Island Hopping in Greece
When thoughts become action – and philosophy becomes life
Explore truth, goodness, and beauty in a creative community! We combine the art of thinking and writing, and publish books through our own publishing house.
The program is called Philosopher – not Philosophy. Philosophy can be a subject studied quietly, but a philosopher is a person who lives a life. In the Philosophy program, we don’t withdraw from the world; we engage with it. We follow current events and public debates – and want to participate.
Program content:
- Moral dilemmas
- Debate club
- Philosophy Instagram
- Guidance
- Writing and reflection time
The teaching
The year is structured into three main periods with different frameworks:
- Life Philosophy
- This year’s focus is “Stoicism”
- Existence and Ethics
- This year’s focus is “Freedom”
- Political Philosophy
- This year’s focus is “mimesis”
We learn from the great names in philosophical history, but draw questions from our own time and lives. We explore our era’s major challenges – like climate crisis, artificial intelligence, and rising authoritarian tendencies – while examining our own choices, values, and search for meaning.
Throughout the year, you’ll encounter weekly moral dilemmas, participate in debate club where you argue both for and against your own opinions, and contribute to Philosophy Instagram – a creative way to bring philosophy to the public. You’ll receive personal and academic guidance, writing and reflection time, and freedom to shape your own projects.
We go on excursions and attend events in both the local area and Bergen city center. The House of Literature and DNS are examples of places we often visit.
Big thoughts take time – and we have a school year ahead of us.
Examples of topics you can explore in depth
- How do we distinguish truth from lies in a media landscape marked by fake news and conspiracy theories?
- Why are young people in Norway called the achievement generation, and what does this mean in an existential philosophical light?
- What philosophical, political, and ethical questions does the climate crisis raise?
Program teacher Finn Birkeland
Finn is a teacher in the Philosopher program. He has a master’s degree in philosophy and is a warm, socially engaged, travel-enthusiastic, and writing person. He finds great joy in thinking and discussing life’s big and not-so-big questions in a community with others. Finn also teaches the electives Philosophy, Debate Club, and Boating. You’ll also meet him in the common subjects Bubble Burst and Common Focus.
Study trip: Island hopping in Greece
The Philosophy program travels to Greece, where the cradle of philosophy awaits in Athens. Here we’ll see some of the world’s most iconic highlights:
- Acropolis with the Parthenon
- Agora – the ancient marketplace and philosophers’ meeting place
- The area of Plato’s Academy
We follow in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and reflect on how their ideas still influence us today.
After Athens, island hopping in the Cyclades awaits:
- Beautiful whitewashed villages
- Crystal clear sea
- Small picturesque beaches
- Diving and snorkeling
- Greek food
Here we can combine philosophical conversations with shared experiences, beach life, and freedom. We can spend time discussing, thinking, and getting to know each other and the world better.
Apply for a place at school now
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and processed in the order they are received. It is always a good idea to be early.
Philosopher - Island Hopping in Greece - prices
Food and lodging
NOK 96 000,-Joint costs
NOK 12 000,-Group trip
NOK 5 500,-Line price incl. study trip
kr 37,000
Total:
NOK 150 500,-