Pacifica Stories

This winter, Pacifica’s philosophy community came together across generations, transforming the 20th Street Seminar Room into a space for rigorous inquiry and meaningful dialogue. Through two inaugural philosophy seminars—one for students and one for parents—participants explored enduring questions about leadership, justice, faith, and the examined life.

On January 30, students gathered for the first student philosophy honors seminar of the new year, led by Pacifica’s Head of School, Jim Knight. The seminar examined the contrasting leadership philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, two influential figures in African American history during the post-Reconstruction era.

Through close reading and guided discussion, students explored Washington’s emphasis on vocational training, economic self-reliance, and strategic accommodation alongside Du Bois’ advocacy for political activism, higher education, and civil rights. The conversation sparked thoughtful debate as students evaluated the effectiveness and limitations of each approach, drawing connections between early 20th-century challenges and contemporary conversations about leadership, reform, and justice.

On February 6, parents gathered in the same seminar space for a parent-only philosophy seminar, Lessons from Augustine: Christian Wisdom in Santa Monica, led by Dr. David C. Albertson. The evening focused on the life and thought of Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential Christian thinkers in history.

Guided through selections from Confessions and City of God, parents reflected on Augustine’s journey from a restless seeker to a Christian convert, bishop, and theologian. Central themes included Augustine’s reflections on human finitude, the formative influence of his mother Monica, and the challenges of integrating faith, moral formation, and civic life. The seminar prompted rich conversation about guiding young people and navigating the relationship between political commitments and Christian faith.

Together, these seminars reflect Pacifica’s commitment to philosophy as a lived practice—one that invites students and parents alike to wrestle with big questions, learn from the past, and engage thoughtfully with the present.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation

Pacifica’s philosophy programming continues this spring with a Fireside Chat with philosopher and author Dr. Christopher Kaczor on Friday, March 13. Drawing from philosophy, theology, and psychology—and thinkers from Plato and Aquinas to C.S. Lewis and Jordan Peterson—Dr. Kaczor will discuss his latest book, Is Belief Believable?, exploring whether belief in God can stand up to reason. This public event offers an intimate and accessible conversation for anyone curious about faith, doubt, and life’s biggest questions.

Earlier that day, Dr. Kaczor will also lead a Lyceum Student Seminar, The Four Levels of Happiness and Four Rival Views of Humans, engaging invited Pacifica students in a deeper exploration of human flourishing.