Upcoming Online Events
The Agora Foundation is a nonsectarian 501(c)3 non-profit endeavor, providing great books seminars and other educational opportunities to those who are busy with careers, families, and daily responsibilities yet are seeking to further their education. The goal of these offerings is to provide an understanding of the ideas that shape civilizations and to promote civil discourse on complicated subjects. The Agora Foundation has facilitated over 1,650 great books seminars and teacher trainings, covering a wide variety of topics including literature, philosophy, political science, theology, history, art, psychology, and more, featuring ancient and modern texts from around the world. In addition to seminars, since 2014 Agora has produced 39 panels, gatherings, and video interviews, promoting civil discourse on controversial and complicated subjects. Hundreds of these events can be freely viewed and listened to on this website.
Generously funded by The Ahmanson Foundation, Southern California Edison, The Shanbrom Family Foundation, the Ventura County Community Foundation, the WRG Foundation, the Constance Eaton and William Hart Fund, the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Ojai, CIty of Ojai, and private donations, the Teachers for Lifelong Learning Program provides training to high school teachers in this engaging approach to learning, and The Ojai Chautauqua provides panels promoting civil discourse on controversial and complicated subjects.
Upcoming Regular Events



Online Seminar Series
The World as Will and Representation
by Schopenhauer
Thursday, October 8
12:00-1:30PM PDT
The text argues that reality has two distinct sides. The "world as representation" is the phenomenal world of our experience, a mental construct shaped by space, time, and causality. Beneath this illusion lies the "world as will," the true, unified essence of everything.
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October 8 Reading:
Sections 10-14, pp. 50-69
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Schedule:
12:00 - 1:30PM PDT
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Tutor:
Carol Seferi
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Location:
Online. Register to receive the link.
Online Seminar Series
Perpetual Peace and Other Essays by Kant
Saturday, October 10
12:00-2:00PM PDT
This series will explore Kant’s enduring reflections on peace, justice, human freedom, moral responsibility, and the possibilities of international cooperation in a divided world. Kant’s essays challenge readers to consider how reason, ethics, and civic institutions can shape a more just and peaceful society.
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October 10 Reading:
Idea for Universal History (pages 29-41)
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Schedule:
12:00 - 2:00PM PDT
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Tutor:
Karl Haigler
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Location:
Online. Register to receive the link.
Onsite Free Community Seminar Series
Foundations of Our Republic
Monday, October 12
12:00-1:00PM PDT
What are the fundamental principles of our Republic? Are these principles based on a view of objective reality/nature, or simply the "consent of the governed"? How should one read the founding documents? Please join us as we carefully explore these political works through weekly Monday lunchtime meetings. No experience necessary, all are welcome.
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October 12 Reading:
The Declaration of Independence
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Schedule:
12:00 - 1:00PM PDT
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Tutor:
Andy Gilman
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Location:
Kent Hall Conference Room - City Hall
111 West Santa Ana - Ojai, California
View the Onsite Ojai Chautauqua Panel Series
The Future of Ojai - Our Rising Generation -
Are we planning thoughtfully for the youth of the valley?
Sunday, August 30, 2026
An Introduction to The Agora Foundation. What is liberal education?
An Introduction to The Agora Foundation's Ojai Chautauqua Panels.





















