DOXA OPÓRA PHILOSOPHY SUMMER CAMP 2026 | ON ARISTOTLE: HOW IS A GOOD LIFE POSSIBLE?

Doxa Opóra is a philosophy camp centered on the thought of Aristotle. It is a time for young people to read, reflect, and engage in dialogue about questions that may seem abstract but speak directly to life today: What is happiness? How is virtue formed? Why do human beings need art and friendship? And ultimately, how can we live differently?

Register at: https://forms.gle/XzqmPd2M5tCSukbg7

Over four days (Wednesday noon, 12/08 - Saturday noon, 15/08) at Nong Lam Ecolodge, Ho Chi Minh City, participants will experience:

Day 1 – Eudaimonia: What is a flourishing life?

Together, participants will read Nicomachean Ethics (Books I–II) to explore foundational concepts such as eudaimonia, ergon, and Aristotle's central question: How should human beings live in order to achieve true flourishing, rather than merely being "successful"? In the evening, the open event Doxa Day Symposium – "Eudaimonia" will broaden the conversation around measures of success in modern society.

Day 2 – Virtue, Habit & Character: What kind of person am I becoming?

Through Books II–III of Nicomachean Ethics, participants will examine the relationship between virtue, habit, and character, while reflecting on how the actions they repeat every day quietly shape who they become. In the evening, the open event Doxa Combat – "Is the Doctrine of the Mean Still Useful in Modern Society?" will place the ideal of moderation within an increasingly competitive and polarized world.

Day 3 – Poetics & Philia: The Poetry of Life and the Desire for Connection

In the morning, participants will read Poetics and discuss mimesis and catharsis: Why do human beings need tragedy, and how does art help us understand and live better? In the afternoon, the discussion shifts to friendship in Books VIII–IX of Nicomachean Ethics, where Aristotle argues that no one can achieve fulfillment in isolation. In the evening, the open event Doxa Lumina – "Soul: Passion and Happiness" uses the film Soul as a starting point for reflecting on passion, career, and the value of ordinary moments.

Day 4 – Telos & The Examined Life: From Understanding to Action

The morning reflection session, "What Will I Do Differently?", offers each participant the opportunity to reconsider their understanding of success and happiness after three days of dialogue. From there, each person will write down one new habit to cultivate or one specific habit to let go of, as a practical commitment to carry home.

The camp concludes by welcoming participants into Doxa Circle, a community that continues to learn and live with the questions of philosophia.

SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION

• Theme: On Aristotle: How Is a Good Life Possible?
• Participants: University students aged 18–22 with an interest in the topic.
• Capacity: 15 - 20 participants.
• Format: In-person (Offline).
• Venue: Nong Lam Ecolodge - Nhà Khách Street, Linh Xuân Ward, HCMC.
• Time: 12.08 – 15.08.2026 (Wednesday – Saturday), 4 days and 3 nights.
• Fee: 3,500,000 VND. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available for students.
• Detailed schedule: https://tinyurl.com/doxaoporalichtrinh

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

• Application round: 06/07/2026 - 20/07/2026
• Interview round: 13/07/2026 - 26/07/2026
• Results announcement: 27/07/2026 - 30/07/2026
• Summer camp: 12/08/2026 - 15/08/2026
• Scholarship regulations: https://tinyurl.com/hocbongdoxaopora

Contact
+84 901 800 613
doxacircle@exlibrishermes.com