Why Schools Should Teach Philosophy, Even to Little Kids (Encore Episode)
Nov 21, 2023
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A philosophy professor discusses the importance of teaching philosophy to children and nurturing their natural curiosity. They explore the decline of philosophical thinking as children grow older and the significance of studying humanities. The value of teaching philosophy to children and recapturing wonder is emphasized, along with strategies for teaching philosophy to older children.
Nurturing children's natural philosophical instincts from a young age is crucial for their personal growth and development of critical thinking skills.
Engaging children in philosophical conversations helps them develop critical thinking skills, explore concepts, and understand different perspectives.
Deep dives
Kids have a natural inclination towards philosophical thinking
Children, unlike most adults, possess a natural curiosity about the world and are constantly puzzled by it. They ask deep, philosophical questions and approach them with a sense of playfulness and fearlessness. This allows them to offer fresh and creative perspectives that are often hard for adults to recapture. Unfortunately, these natural philosophical instincts are often overlooked or brushed off by teachers and adults. However, philosophy professor Scott Hirschberger argues that nurturing these instincts from a young age is crucial.
Engaging in philosophical conversations with kids helps them develop critical thinking skills
Engaging in philosophical conversations with children is not only valuable for their personal growth but also helps them develop critical thinking skills. By listening to their ideas and taking them seriously, adults can encourage children to think deeply, challenge their own assumptions, and engage in collaborative conversations. Unlike scientific or factual questions, philosophical questions do not necessarily have a right or wrong answer, but they allow for exploration, analysis, and the development of well-grounded arguments.
The importance of cultivating philosophical instincts in children
Scott Hirschberger emphasizes the importance of nurturing philosophical instincts in children and encouraging them to ask big questions about life, existence, and purpose. Through his book, 'Nasty, Brutusian Short: Adventures in Philosophy with Kids,' Hirschberger explores the philosophical potential of youngsters and highlights the benefits of engaging them in philosophical conversations. By challenging their thinking, exploring concepts of justice, authority, and language, children can develop critical thinking skills, enhance their creativity, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The need for philosophy education in schools
Hirschberger advocates for incorporating philosophy into school curricula. While subjects like science and mathematics are commonly taught, philosophy often goes unnoticed. However, teaching philosophy in schools can help cultivate good conversation and deliberation norms, promote respectful exchanges of ideas, and develop critical thinking skills. Philosophy education can also provide children with valuable opportunities to engage in collaborative conversations, question assumptions, think critically, and understand different perspectives. By valuing philosophical thinking, educators and society as a whole can benefit from a more thoughtful and open-minded citizenry.
It’s important to nurture philosophical thinking in kids throughout school and college. So argues a philosophy professor who wrote a book that highlights the natural tendencies of kids to think like philosophers. When big, important questions arise, he says, parents and educators should treat kids like conversational equals. This is a rerun of an episode that first ran in June.
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