Philosophy, Politics and Economics
August 9 – 13, 2026Washington, DC
Application deadline: February 2, 2026
What is the purpose of political life? How should free societies organize themselves? What is the relationship between economic liberty and human flourishing?
Led by James Otteson—an award-winning scholar whose work bridges philosophy, politics, and economics—this institute introduces students to the foundational questions of civic life. Over four intensive days in the nation’s capital, participants will examine competing visions of justice, explore the moral arguments that underpin different economic systems, and analyze the institutions that sustain or undermine free societies. From Adam Smith to the American Founders, from contemporary debates about markets and governments to timeless questions about power and law, students will develop the intellectual tools to think clearly about the political and economic challenges facing America and the free world.
This institute is designed for future statesmen, policy analysts, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens—students who understand that ideas shape history and that the defense of liberty requires serious knowledge of its roots.
Dean of Faculty
Dr. James Otteson
James R. Otteson received his BA from the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame and his PhD in philosophy from the University of Chicago. He specializes in business ethics, political economy, the history of economic thought, and eighteenth-century moral philosophy. He has taught previously at Wake Forest University, New York University, Yeshiva University, Georgetown University, and the University of Alabama. His books include Adam Smith’s Marketplace of Life (Cambridge, 2002), Actual Ethics (Cambridge, 2006), Adam Smith (Bloomsbury, 2013), The End of Socialism (Cambridge, 2014), The Essential Adam Smith (Fraser Institute, 2018), and Honorable Business: A Framework for Business in a Just and Humane Society (Oxford, 2019). His most recent books are The Essential David Hume (Fraser, 2021), Seven Deadly Economic Sins (Cambridge, 2021), and Should Wealth Be Redistributed? A Debate (with Steven McMullen; Routledge, 2023).
Key Information
Eligibility
Location & Dates
Cost
The Tikvah Scholars Institute is open to current 10th, 11th,
and 12th graders from all backgrounds. Tikvah Scholars attend Jewish day schools, public schools, independent schools, community schools, charter schools, and homeschools.
Washington, DC
August 9 – 13, 2026
$1,095
Needs-based financial aid available
Tentative Daily Schedule
8:30 AM Shacharit | Text Study
9:15 AM Breakfast
9:45 AM Morning Seminar
12:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Afternoon Seminar or Excursion
4:00 PM Free Time
5:45 PM Mincha | Ma'ariv | Text Study
6:30 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Evening Activity | Panel | Free Time
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Kaissar
Tikvah Scholars Summer Programs
Tikvah · 165 E 56th St, Floor 4 · New York, NY · 10022