From Neutrality to Intentionality: Notes for a Philosophy of Liberation for/with Children

Abstract

To a person familiar with both philosophy for and with children and the philosophy of liberation, that the two would fit nicely together would seem obvious. However, the literature on how philosophy for/with children (P4wC) can contribute to decolonization is scarce. Drawing on various philosopher-educators and the tradition of liberation philosophy, particularly Amy Reed-Sandoval's (2019) article entitled “Can Philosophy for Children Contribute to Decolonization?”, this research paper explores what it means to engage in the philosophy of liberation (PL) and decolonization for and with children. Since not all children are the same, especially when one takes into consideration varying degrees of economic, social, and even geopolitical inequality, this research is relevant to developing an intentional decolonizing P4wC that prepares young people for a world in which the coloniality of power and knowledge (Quijano, 2000) is pervasive.