Note: Epistea Summer Experiment happened in the summer of 2019. You can read our write up on LessWrong.
ESE is an experimental summer workshop combining elements of applied rationality and experiential education. The event is focused on group rationality: or in other words, how we can have accurate beliefs and act on them not only as individuals but together with other people.
Learning does not only take place when listening to a talk. We can also learn through games, simulations or adventure.
The process of learning by experience (so called experiential education) emphasizes the value of playful experimentation, curiosity-led exploration and the role of strong experiences in a safe environment to boost learning.
ESE brings you a mixture of techniques and games, offering many opportunities to learn, explore and practice. We are trying to bridge the gap between the theoretical understanding and the practical application of tools and techniques regarding decision making and coordination.
The programme will make you think, and feel. It will make you prepare a good plan as well as engage in spontaneous action. It will nurture your curiosity as well as provide space for applying knowledge and practicing skills you already have. It will enable you to learn more about yourself as well as how to better interact with others.
When: Sunday July 28th – Sunday August 4th, 2019
Where: In beautiful Czech countryside in Loutí – near Prague, Czech Republic
Who should attend?
All aspiring rationalists who are excited about the mixture of playful summer camp, experimenting with old and new rationality techniques, and learning how to be rational together with other people.
As the event is highly experimental, and we are not always sure which parts will work, it is not suitable as an introduction to rational reasoning. We recommend going to a CFAR applied rationality workshop instead.
How will it look like?
We will spend a week together, learning, playing, running, thinking, creating, discussing and simulating different situations. The programme can sometimes run also at night.
What is the price?
600 euro. In case you’re hesitating to join because of the price, send us an email: experience@epistea.org
What is included in the price?
6.5 days of program day and night, instructors, equipment for outdoor activities, vegan and vegetarian food, accommodation.
What do you need to bring with you?
Good mood, medicine, clothes for one week of intensive programme including outdoors (clothes might take damage), two pairs of shoes for outdoor activities, waterproof jacket, hygiene accessories, flashlight/headlamp. You also need to pay for your travel to the Czech Republic and insurance if you are not the beholder of the European insurance card.
How many participants will be at the event?
Between 20 and 25.
Is it possible to work from the event?
No. The workshop is going to be intensive.
Will there be enough time to sleep and rest?
Yes.
It is possible that some of the simulated situations will be uncomfortable, physically demanding or look completely crazy at the first sight?
Yes. However, all participation is voluntary and no activities depend on high physical fitness. Generally, we strive to create a safe environment conducive of learning.
What if someone is afraid and does not want to participate in some activities?
All participation is voluntary and there will be always the option to withdraw from particular activity.
How to apply?
The applications are closed – the event is full. In case you would like to be notified about possible future events, send us an email to experience@epistea.org.
ESE is developed by Jan Kulveit, Nora Ammann, Přemek Bejda, Tomáš Gavenčiak, Anna Gajdova, Blanka Havlíčková, Daniel Hnyk, Vojta Kovařík, Kaj Sotala, Filip Štědronský
The event is organized by Epistea Lab, in cooperation with members of the Czech EA Association, EA Geneve and EA Helsinki.
Contact us with any questions at experience@epistea.org.