Author: Ola Al-Juneh

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Philosophy opens a door to deep thinking, offering fresh perspectives on the world and encouraging us to examine ideas from different angles. While this may sound abstract, introducing philosophy to children can be remarkably transformative. At a time when young minds are full of curiosity and wonder, teaching them to think philosophically plants the seeds of critical thinking, empowering them to make thoughtful decisions, build empathy, and understand themselves and others on a deeper level.

In a recent Socratic session, we explored the topic of friendship with a group of children. A subject that resonates with their everyday lives. We guided the conversation with questions designed to inspire reflection and self-discovery: What does friendship mean? Do we truly need friends? How do we choose our friends? These questions sparked thoughtful discussions, encouraging children to think about what they value in friendships, what they expect from others, and what they offer in return. This approach not only helped them understand friendship in a more profound way but also demonstrated how philosophy can be woven naturally into their lives.

Philosophy helps children look at familiar things using a deeper perspective, which, as philosopher Bertrand Russell noted, keeps alive a "sense of wonder" by showing us the world in new ways. “Philosophy, though unable to tell us with certainty what is the true answer to the doubts which it raises, is able to suggest many possibilities which enlarge our thoughts and free them from the tyranny of custom” (Russell, 1912). Philosophy invites us to set aside rigid answers and instead engage with life’s possibilities, helping children learn that not every question has a clear or final answer and that’s okay.

The Benefits of Philosophy for Children

Children naturally wonder and question the world, so in many ways, they already think like philosophers. Structured philosophical discussions build on this natural curiosity, encouraging them to think more deeply and critically. Here are some of the unique benefits philosophy brings to children:

• Encourages Critical Thinking: Philosophy invites children to question, examine, and evaluate. By grappling with big questions, they develop a logical, open-minded approach to problem-solving. Instead of accepting information at face value, they learn to look for evidence, reason through ideas and consider multiple viewpoints. Research has shown that children who engage in philosophical discussions improve in both reasoning and social skills (Education Endowment Foundation, 2015). For example, a study by the Education Endowment Foundation found that students in philosophy-based programs demonstrated higher scores in math and reading, suggesting that the critical thinking skills they develop are highly transferable.

• Builds Empathy and Self-Understanding: Engaging in philosophical discussions helps children explore their own values, beliefs, and emotions, fostering empathy as they come to appreciate diverse perspectives. This self-awareness, combined with respect for others' views, strengthens positive social relationships. Matthew Lipman, who pioneered "Philosophy for Children" programs, argued that philosophy in schools enhances reasoning and ethical understanding, encouraging children to become thoughtful, reflective individuals (Lipman, 2003; Ventista & Paparoussi, 2016). Philosopher Martha Nussbaum adds that philosophy cultivates compassion and respect, creating a society of individuals who engage in civic life with empathy and thoughtfulness (Nussbaum, 2010).

• Teaches Emotional Resilience: Philosophy encourages children to embrace what Bertrand Russell called "liberating doubt." By learning to sit with uncertainty and accept that some questions may never have definitive answers, children become more resilient. They develop comfort with ambiguity, an invaluable skill in today’s fast-paced, constantly changing world.  

• Improves Communication Skills: Philosophy nurtures children’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and confidently. Through discussions, they practice expressing themselves while also learning to listen attentively to others. Research highlights the impact of philosophical inquiry on student engagement, empathy, and intellectual curiosity (Reed, 2019). Additionally, both teachers and students in P4C (Philosophy for Children) programs have noted improvements in students’ confidence to speak up, enhanced listening skills, and increased self-esteem. (Education Endowment Foundation, 2015).  

• Fosters Lifelong Curiosity: At its core, philosophy fosters a habit of wonder. By asking questions, children keep their natural curiosity alive, making them lifelong learners. They develop a mindset that values exploration and discovery, leading to a richer and more meaningful engagement with the world. Philosophers and children have an important faculty in common: as Jostein Gaarder said in Sophie’s World, the only thing we require to be good philosophers is the faculty of wonder” (Gaarder, 1994).

In conclusion, we live in a fast-paced world that often rewards quick answers, philosophy offers a timeless gift: the ability to slow down, question, and explore. By nurturing the “good philosophers” in our children, we help them approach the world with curiosity, courage, and the desire to think deeply. In doing so, we equip them with skills that will serve them for lifetime skills that make them smarter, kinder, wiser, and more attuned to the world and others.

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References

1. Education Endowment Foundation. (2015). Philosophy for Children: Evaluation Report and Executive Summary. Durham University and the Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education (SAPERE). Retrieved from https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/projects/philosophy-for-children-p4c

2. Ventista, O. M., & Paparoussi, M. (2016). introducing a philosophical discussion in your classroom: an example of a community of enquiry in a greek primary school. Childhood & Philosophy, 12(25). https://doi.org/10.12957/childphilo.2016.24994

3. Gaarder, J. (1994). Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

4. LIPMAN, M. (2003). Thinking in education (2nd edn). Cambridge & New York  

Cambridge University Press

5. Nussbaum, M. C. (2010). Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Princeton University Press.

6. Reed, B. (2019). Philosophical Inquiry in Education: Engaging Student Empathy and Curiosity. Philosophical Inquiry in Education, 27(1), 3-19.

7. Russell, B. (1912). The Problems of Philosophy. Williams and Norgate.

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