About
the Thomas More Institute

Thomas More Institute Classroom

Our Approach

The Thomas More Institute fosters the Socratic Method that promotes shared inquiry in small group settings of students of different ages and backgrounds and facilitates open-ended discussions. In our approach, learning is cooperative rather than competitive. It requires active participation and respectful listening. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Read testimonials from our community here, or read more about our spirit of curiosity and community discussion in a March 2024 feature article by The Suburban.

Our Values:

Curiosity: championing lifelong learning and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and growth

Creativity: encouraging imaginative thinking and innovative exploration of ideas

Openness: fostering respectful dialogue and welcoming diverse perspectives

Critical Thinking: promoting the capacity to analyze, interpret, and question the information and views we encounter, at times presenting an alternative way of thinking

Shared Inquiry: cultivating learning through dialogue with others

Community: nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community of engaged learners

Community Life

Curiosity, respect, inclusiveness, openness, collegiality, sharing one discussion. These are the values that we practice at TMI and in our communications. Our courses foster intimacy and connection among groups of 15 to 18 students. In addition to courses, we host book events, conferences, and celebrations for our community.
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom

Our History

Thomas More Institute School Crest
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom
  • Black and white photo of Thomas More Institute Classroom

The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts. In addition, its affiliation with Bishop’s University provides students the option of earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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Who Was Thomas More?

Thomas More (1478-1535) was one of the great Humanist scholars of the Renaissance. He contributed significantly to that critical shift from the medieval to the modern world by articulating and promoting, for men and women alike, a new conception of education based upon the priority of open inquiry and critical thought.

 

Saint Thomas More