Philosophical Discussion Plans and Exercises

The program for teaching thinking to children and adolescents, or as it is termed, “Philosophy for Children and Adolescents,” has been introduced in developed countries for about 50 years and in Iran for nearly 15 years, drawing the attention of thinkers, teachers, and interested individuals concerned with advancing thought and awareness in society. The introduction of this subject in Iran proceeded slowly, but today it has attracted the attention of activists and those interested in child development and general cultural issues.

This article is an example of presenting philosophical exercises and discussion plans for children and adolescents. If embedding philosophy within fictional stories is one way to make it more appealing and to give it luster, then presenting philosophical exercises and discussion plans is another method.

This may seem far-fetched at first. Exercises are among the most ordinary and conventional educational tools. They appear to pale in comparison to the mesmerizing brilliance of the more attractive and striking parts of this educational program. Nevertheless, exercises and discussion plans can be applied so fittingly that they render the practice of philosophy acceptable and engaging.

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This article may be of interest to those who work with children and adolescents, and to philosophy instructors.

Download the pdf of the article “Philosophical Discussion Plans and Exercises”

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The article “Philosophical Discussion Plans and Exercises”

Matthew Lipman

Translated by: Nasim Mahouzi

Published in Farhang Magazine - Spring 2009 - Issue 69

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