Philosophy  for  Kids

  Philosophy  for  Children  and  Young Adults  -  ( Books )

     The publication of philosopher Matthew Lipman’s popular fiction story,  Harry Stottlemeier’s Discovery (in 1974), signaled the beginning of what today is widely known as the “Philosophy for Children” movement.  Dr. Lipman’s series of Philosophy for Children books, along with his extensive pedagogical research (conducted at Montclair State University), has been influential in generating a wide  interest and public awareness of the relevance and value of philosophy, and the benefits of receiving a philosophical education, beginning at a young age.  Today, there are books and programs in Philosophy for Children around the world, in dozens of languages.

       Although the ancient Greek philosophers (including Aristotle and Plato) believed that children were not capable of sustained, meaningful philosophical thinking, a vast amount of contemporary pedagogical research and experience  suggests that children, adolescents, and young adults (i.e., students in elementary, junior, and senior high school) can understand, apply, and enjoy the wonder of philosophical contemplation!  Apart from the intrinsic fascination that children demonstrate when exposed to Philosophy and Socratic dialogue for the first time, it becomes apparent that, after continuous studies in philosophy, children begin to think philosophically and ask philosophical questions – they become Socratic enquirers!  Philosophy for Children is thus instrumental for developing student’s innate critical reasoning and creative thinking skills, in an enjoyable context.

      Through my experience in teaching a variety of Introduction to Philosophy courses at the University of Miami (including courses in Applied Ethics, and Contemporary Moral Issues – for both the Regular Enrollment sections, and the Honors Program), I have discovered, and tested in the classroom, a series of effective teaching methods, tools, and principles which have enabled me to take complex philosophical ideas and make them readily accessible to a wide range of students – while showing them why and how Philosophy is relevant and applicable to their daily lives.

      I am presently taking this pedagogical experience and using it to develop my own series of Philosophy for Children books, to be available in both English and Spanish, for students at the Elementary to High School level.   (As painting and drawing are some of my hobbies, I will also be illustrating my books.)  The first in the series will be available in January 2009.  (The books will be available for sale on my website; please stay tuned.)  For more information on the first edition, or to reserve / purchase copies in advance, please email:  rrabinsky@miami.edu

 
                                                   Copyright  ©  2008  by  Ruben Rabinsky