Philosophy in Schools
Philosophy is often defined as an activity of rational inquiry about life’s most basic questions. This inquiry is undertaken by “people” who “seek to understand the fundamental truths” concerning life, existence, reality, knowledge, God, self, world or conduct etc. (“What is philosophy?”). The tradition of this philosophical inquiry is also taught as an academic discipline mostly in high schools and colleges as an optional subject. But, philosophy as the activity of rational investigation about life’s most basic questions, in which all students take part in the quest for knowledge and learn through discussion, deserves a place in school curriculum because of its own merits. Therefore, the activity of philosophy should be included in the school curriculum.
First of all, philosophy in schools can help developing essential skills and virtues in children. As, any skill is strengthened when exercised and practiced. The activity of philosophy work as an exercise of mind and its constant practice can strengthen the thinking skills of children. The activity of philosophy improves listening and communication skills, as well. Since, the study of philosophy requires each student to express their thoughts and carefully listen to the opinions of others. Also, there are many intellectual virtues that are cultivated in the process of philosophy like “curiosity, attentiveness, rigor, open-mindedness, tenacity and intellectual courage” (Hand). In this way, philosophy nurtures many important skills and virtues in children.
When children come into the world, they look at everything with wonderment and curiosity. When they get little older, they start questioning about everything out of their curiosity. They ask “Who am I?”, “What is the purpose of life?”, “Does God exist?”, “What is mean by love, obedience, good, evil, and so on. But they never get too far in their quest for unraveling these mysteries. Because, these questions belong to the field of philosophy and are not attended anywhere not even in schools where children are supposed to learn new things and satisfy their curiosities. As a result, they grow up with least idea about the most crucial aspects of life. They have no idea what life is about and what is their place in the universe. This knowledge gap can be filled by teaching philosophy in schools. First of all, philosophy preserves their inquisitive nature by encouraging them to ask more questions and secondly it provides them a way to explore the answers to their questions.
There can be many objections against the idea of teaching philosophy in schools. First of all, it can be argued that children are incapable of philosophical inquiry as they lack abstract thinking skills. But the claim that children do not have capacity for abstract thinking, is very weak and cannot withstand even the common everyday observation. As, it is not difficult to observe children “constantly asking the why” questions (D’Olimpio). As well as, their ability to learn mathematics, science, and language clearly shows their capacity for abstract thinking. Secondly, it can be objected that philosophy is a difficult subject not suitable for children. One thing to keep in mind, at this point, is that the advance level of philosophy would not be taught at schools, but a more elementary version would be taught. As, philosophy has the potential to be taught “at different levels and with different degrees of sophistication”(Hand). Besides these objections, it can be said that there is no need of philosophy in the curriculum as it is already crowded with other subjects. But, the school education with its current curriculum is failing in achieving its primary purpose. As, Lipman describes that the purpose of school education should be “the production of persons who can reason well, have good judgments, and are disposed to new ways of thinking”. So, this purpose can only be achieved by including philosophy in school curriculum. Thus, there is no valid reason of why philosophy should not be taught at schools.
Finally, philosophy promotes general intelligence level of children. The study of philosophy improves the performance of children in other subjects. Since, it equips children with the tools of logic, reasoning, and conceptual analysis. This is beneficial in other subjects, as well. A study shows that philosophy “boost primary school pupils’ ability in math and literacy” (Richardson). Similarly, students of philosophy are better able to deal with ethical, political, and theological problems. Since, many of the questions in philosophy are taken up from the subjects of ethics, politics, and theology. Philosophy not only introduces children with the challenges of life, but it also empowers them to find ways of dealing with those challenges. As well as, philosophy enables children to think on wide range of topics proficiently. As, in the activity of philosophy diverse topics are taken up for discussion, this activity expands their thinking sphere and make them able to address vast range of subjects skillfully. Thus, there is a rise in general intelligence of children.
To conclude the discussion, philosophy is essential for the development of intellectual skills, abilities, and virtues. It motivates them to seek the answers to the most fundamental questions of human life. The skills and knowledge learned in philosophy are useful in other areas of life, as well. Also, philosophy can help making people more rational, sensible, and intelligent. Besides, philosophy is in accord with the nature of children and it has the potential to be integrated into the school curriculum. So, philosophy should be included in the school education. Philosophy is the assurance of prosperity and fulfillment of our future generation.
Works Cited
D’Olimpio, Laura. “Why children should study philosophy”. The conversation. The conversation, 19 march. 2014.
Hand, Michael. “On the distinctive educational value of philosophy”. Journal of Philosophy in Schools”. Journal of Philosophy in Schools, 2018.
Lipman, Matthew. “Thinking in education”. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Richardson, Hannah. “Philosophy Sessions ‘boost primary school results’”. BBC News. 10 July, 2015.
“What is philosophy?”. Department of Philosophy. Florida State University.
