At Royal Fireworks, we know that philosophy challenges students to think deeply, reason clearly, and engage with the ideas that have shaped human thought for millennia. Our spring course Western Philosophy: Reality, Identity, and Autonomy invites students to explore these concepts through literature, discussion, and writing, fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity in a rigorous but supportive environment.

Dr. Sharon Kaye is the author of an award-winning philosophy curriculum and brings a wealth of experience guiding young learners through complex ideas with clarity and insight. Her approach combines lively discussion, mentorship, and individualized feedback to help students engage deeply with philosophical concepts.

Her courses typically center around the philosophy books she writes. These books are not traditional dry philosophy texts, however; Dr. Kaye is a brilliant novelist whose stories draw readers in with complex, likeable characters who face difficult challenges, often in the form of captivating mysteries. Students hardly realize just how much philosophy they’re learning as they hurry to turn the next page!

Western Philosophy: Reality, Identity, and Autonomy
Instructor: Dr. Sharon Kaye
Student Ages: 10–15
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: Jan. 14 – May 13, 2026
Cost: $500

Course Overview:

• Enjoy learning philosophy through a trilogy of gripping adventure novels.
  – Explore thought and reality via the book The Divided Line (Socrates, Plato, Descartes).
  – Examine personal and political identity in the book The Inverted Spectrum (Locke, Newton, Leibniz).
  – Investigate autonomy and rationality in the book The Categorical Imperative (Rousseau, Hume, Kant).
• Engage in discussions, debates, and the composition of reflective essays.
• Create a philosophical magazine featuring essays and artistic/literary responses.

Installment Pay Option: We offer installment payment plans at no additional cost. For more information and to enroll, visit the Online Learning page.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance in selecting a course, feel free to call us at (845) 726-4444. We’re here to help! Our phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Happy learning!
The Royal Fireworks Team