Beneath the Skin: Philosophy of the Naturals

Abstract

Introduction:  When Professor Schreier asked me to give this talk on Philosophy With Children and Nature, I think he did so with something more than a hint of irony. The first time I stayed at his house, a few years ago, over a glass of red wine, I confessed that most American of obsessions - I liked to run, to jog in the morning. Being the lover of nature that he is, he suggested that I run in the forest near his home. There is, so he said, a clearly marked trail which would lead to the beautiful Elbe River. I could, so he assured, enjoy the forest and the river and, in addition, see great ships journeying to and from the harbor in Hamburg.