Children and Philosophy

The Examined Life, Age 8

by: Abby Goodnough

This article is a light hearted philosophical view through children's eyes. It discusses that a Professor and his undergrad that go to a charter school and use children's books to discuss philosophy. Prof. Thomas E. Wartenberg believes that children can discuss philosophy at a young age and that through children's books they can learn to express themselves. I found this to be a very intriguing article and it was nice to read something that didn't have to do with death and war. Goodnough does a wonderful job in designing the flow of the article and a lovely introduction that engages you to keep reading.

"A few times each month, second graders at a charter school in Springfield, Mass., take time from math and reading to engage in philosophical debate. There is no mention of Hegel or Descartes, no study of syllogism or solipsism. "

This introduction makes you realize that these are just children but are still taking a very mature step in there life. The kids even said that it was nice to express themselves and that they ultimately loved to do this activity. So far Wartenberg has done this 6 times in the school system and believes that there is to many standards that teachers are trying to meet that they forget analyzing concepts can be a very important maturation step in life.

The impact of this article makes your realize that it is important to teach children other things then just math and science but that outside of the box thinking is very important to do.