The Free Philosophy Project

During her first week as a volunteer at a homeless shelter in downtown Boston, Clarinda Blais (then an undergraduate at Boston University), noticed that between meals and appointments, residents and visitors of the shelter were crammed into large  “waiting rooms,” where they passed time staring at each other, often in silence. 

The residents looked bored, and just like they needed a little something else. Given her upbringing in a rural, economically depressed area in upstate New York, that was a feeling Blais identified with. However, Blais once she began studying philosophy, Blais never experienced boredom again. She thought perhaps philosophy could be of benefit to others, the way it had her. Thus, upon receiving a small seed grant from her philosophy department in the summer of 2015, she began sharing the notes she took during class, at the Women’s Lunch Place and the St. Francis House, two homeless shelter in Downtown Boston.

Then, in 2016, what started as an experiment Blais ran on her own, turned into the Free Philosophy Project: an organization which now spans over 15 shelters throughout the Boston area and has students from throughout the city contributing to its efforts, with plans for further expansion. 

While the Free Philosophy Project understands and respects that the most immediate needs of the homeless are ones that concern shelter, food, medical care, and clothing, the founders of the group are also certain that all people need thoughtful and positive interactions with others. To assume that philosophy has no place in serving the needs of the poor is grounded in misconceptions about philosophy, and human nature in general. Furthermore, to assume that critical thinking skills aren’t vital for the poor or homeless is to assume that their mental and emotional needs are inherently separate from physical needs (food, shelter, etc.).

Thus, the Free Philosophy Project’s mission is twofold. On the one hand, the group aims to provide an opportunity for students of philosophy to seek and understand some of the most complicated philosophical issues from perspectives seldom found in a university setting. Furthermore, we aim to share philosophy with those who may not otherwise have access to it — thus maximizing the benefits of our education. On the other hand, we share philosophy with the homeless to provide a space, even if for just one hour once a week, in which they may engage in intellectual discussion, develop critical thinking skills, and reflect on and share their  thoughts on some of life’s most difficult questions. 

In doing so, we have a found a way to bridge what sometimes seems like an insurmountable gap. We have also learned that while there are so many things that make us different, we have the most fundamental thing(s) in common. 

Now, the Free Philosophy Project is looking to raise $4,000 to kickstart our expansion. Over the course of the next two months we hope to provide the tools to implement the program in  cities across the United Sates:  including New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, New Haven, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The funds will be used to cover travel costs associated with expansion, as well as materials needed for expansion purposes and continuing workshops in Boston (supplies, snacks for residents, transportation for volunteers, etc.)


Thank you so much for your interest in the Free Philosophy Project. We are deeply grateful that you have made an effort to learn more about our organization, and appreciate any contribution you may be able to make. 

To learn more about the Free Philosophy Project or contact our organization, please visit or website. 

Thank you, again. 
Sincerely, 

The Free Philosophy Project 

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” - Theodore Roosevelt.