Philosophy in Schools, edited by Michael Hand and Carrie Winstanley, is a crucial academic text within the Continuum Studies in Research in Education series. This anthology aims to make a compelling case for the inclusion of Philosophy in the school curriculum, arguing for its potential to enhance critical thinking, moral reasoning, and intellectual development in children and adolescents. Through contributions from leading philosophers of education, the book addresses common objections and provides practical insights into implementing philosophical education in schools.
Structure
The book is structured into two main parts, each addressing critical aspects of introducing philosophy into educational settings.
Meeting the Objections to Philosophy in Schools
- Can Children be Taught Philosophy? Michael Hand explores whether philosophical concepts are accessible to children, challenging the notion that philosophy is too abstract or complex for young minds.
- Philosophy and Moral Education. Richard Pring discusses the role of philosophy in fostering moral development, emphasizing its importance in nurturing ethical thinking from an early age.
- Getting beyond the Deficit Conception of Childhood: Thinking Philosophically with Children. Gareth B. Matthews critiques the deficit view of childhood, advocating for a more respectful approach to children’s intellectual capabilities.
- Religion and Philosophy in Schools? Stephen Law examines the intersection of religious education and philosophical inquiry, considering how these subjects can coexist and complement each other in the curriculum.
Making the Case for Philosophy in Schools
- The Role of Philosophical Thinking in Teaching Controversial Issues. Harry Brighouse argues for the inclusion of philosophical thinking as a tool for addressing controversial topics in the classroom, promoting critical engagement and reasoned debate.
- Why Teach Epistemology in Schools? Harvey Siegel discusses the benefits of teaching epistemology, the study of knowledge, to help students understand the nature and limits of their own understanding.
- Philosophy and the Development of Critical Thinking. Carrie Winstanley emphasizes the role of philosophy in developing students’ critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success and informed citizenship.
- Philosophical Intelligence: Why Philosophical Dialogue is Important in Educating the Mind. Robert Fisher highlights the importance of philosophical dialogue in nurturing intellectual curiosity and reflective thinking.
- Autonomous and Authentic Thinking Through Philosophy with Picturebooks. Karin Murris illustrates how philosophical discussions can be integrated into early childhood education using picture books to stimulate autonomous and authentic thinking.
- Philosophy in Children’s Literature. Lynn Glueck and Harry Brighouse explore how children’s literature can be a rich resource for philosophical inquiry, providing accessible entry points for young learners.
- Philosophy in the Secondary School – a Deweyan Perspective. Judith Suissa draws on John Dewey’s educational philosophy to argue for the inclusion of philosophy in secondary education, emphasizing experiential learning and democratic engagement.
- Philosophy, Wisdom and Reading Great Books. James C. Conroy advocates for the study of classical philosophical texts as a means to cultivate wisdom and deepen students’ understanding of fundamental human questions.
Insights
The Importance of Early Philosophical Education. The contributors collectively emphasize the value of introducing philosophical thinking at a young age. They argue that philosophy helps children develop critical thinking, reasoning, and ethical reflection, skills that are crucial for personal growth and active citizenship.
Overcoming Preconceptions. One of the book’s strengths is its systematic approach to debunking myths about the inaccessibility of philosophy for children. Through practical examples and theoretical arguments, the authors demonstrate that children are not only capable of engaging with philosophical ideas but also benefit greatly from doing so.
Practical Implementation. The book provides educators with practical strategies for integrating philosophy into the curriculum. From using children’s literature to facilitate philosophical discussions to incorporating philosophical thinking in the analysis of controversial issues, the contributors offer a variety of methods to make philosophy accessible and relevant to students of all ages.
Critical Analysis
Philosophy in Schools is an invaluable resource for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the role of philosophy in education. The editors, Michael Hand and Carrie Winstanley, have curated a collection of essays that are both intellectually rigorous and practically applicable. The book’s balanced approach, combining theoretical insights with practical guidance, makes it a comprehensive guide for integrating philosophy into educational practice. In my opinion, some readers might find the academic tone and dense philosophical arguments challenging. While the book aims to be accessible, its depth and complexity might require readers to have some background in philosophy or education theory to fully appreciate its content.