Thought and Talk, Some Reflections from 'Pixie" - Chapter 2

Abstract

Introduction:  Teachers contemplating using Philosophy for Children to facilitate the development of a philosophical community of inquiry in their classrooms usually begin by taking workshops to familiarise themselves with the process of using the readers and teacher-manuals to stimulate pupil interest and discussion. As they persist and the community of inquiry begins to grow, teachers enter another phase in their own development with the recognition of the inadequacy of their own preparation in philosophy. Not being proficient in the craft of philosophical inquiry, nor familiar with the early warning signs of common fallacies being entered upon, or other red-herrings which can stifle fruitful discussion and block the development of a genuine community of inquiry, they look for assistance. Workshop leaders are always asked about ' philosophy' (rather than ' pedagogical') workshops or to recommend philosophy books which teach ' more about philosophy itself.'