Perpendiculars, Providence — and an Art Show!

California

July 27, 2023

Well-rested after their long and active day in the sunshine, students on the California High School Summer Program spent early Thursday in the now-familiar rhythms of class and recreation. Knowing that their two weeks end tomorrow, however, they did not let familiarity get in the way of making the most of the day!

In today’s foray into Euclid’s Elements, students presented some simple theorems about perpendicular and intersecting lines, which will come in handy during Friday’s final geometric demonstrations. Discussions circled Euclid’s specific arguments, as well as his broader project: Is he building up to a culminating conclusion, or is he simply proving everything he can about circles, lines, and triangles in no particular order?

Photos: Morning Classes

Between classes, programmers dropped by the breezy corridor between St. Gladys Hall and St. Bernardine of Siena Library, where the prefects had assembled a gallery of original art, photography, and even poetry produced by students over the last week and a half. After days spent in the classroom refining each other’s intellectual talents, friends enjoyed seeing each other’s creative talents on display.

Photos: Art Show

Students returned to St. Gladys Hall after lunch for their final discussion of The Consolation of Philosophy. Today, Lady Philosophy offers Boethius her promised explanation of evil, which prompts the pair to ponder the compatibility of chance, free will, and divine providence — questions which lead ultimately to the infinite mystery of God’s benevolent power.

Students were dizzy after climbing the metaphysical ladder from the morass of chance events to the summit of divine wisdom! Fortunately, with a slip-and-slide down the hill beside the athletic field, the prefect-student soccer game, as well as a final dance practice before tomorrow’s concluding celebration, programmers will have plenty of time to steady their minds and catch their intellectual breath! Come back to the Summer Program Blog tomorrow for details and photos!