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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

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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.

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