Extending Philosophy for Children into the Standard Curriculum

Abstract

Introduction:  For those of us who have experienced Philosophy for Children in the schools, it has become increasingly clear that the program meets the educational needs of school children viewed as autonomous and thoughtful rational agents.  As expressed by Matthew Lipman, philosophy is concerned with "the improvement of reasoning proficiencies, clarification of concepts, analysis of meanings, and fostering of attitudes that dispose us to wonder, inquire, and seek meaning and truth."  These traditional philosophical goals, as implemented through the various curricula  developed by the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children (IAPC) yield benefits that rebound to the advantage of both teachers and students.