Philosophy in High School
In this article, Meredith explains why philosophy should be taught in high school.
Embedded Files
Philosophy in High school
Philosophy in High school
By Meredith Higa
By Meredith Higa
Philosophy is an undervalued subject in high schools all across America. It teaches many important skills and intellectually challenges those who take the course. As such, philosophy should be taught in every high school. Gareth Matthews, a childhood psychologist, found that children can start having complex thoughts and questions from the age of four or five and the ability to carry out conversations on these topics from around ages eight to eleven. These questions deepen with time, from innocent questions like: “How do we know that everything isn't a dream?" to questions with no right answer, such as "What makes something morally good or bad?" Spending time to process questions can improve one’s confidence, help with critical thinking and provide support to teenagers graduating from high school, still reeling from the sudden reality of being an adult.
Photo found on PxHere
All across Europe, Philosophy is already instituted as a mandatory class in many secondary schools. PLATO, a global network dedicated to encouraging philosophy among the younger generation, has outlined several good reasons for this class. Talking about moral questions prompts open conversations, deeper thinking outside of existing biases, and more confidence in the self. When the brain is still developing, it is important to offer opportunities to expand the worldview of young students. This develops empathy for others, something that the world could definitely use more of, as well as a new appreciation for the potential that each of us has as human beings.
Image from Flickr
In addition to moral benefits, philosophy can also help in the workplace. This course track develops cognitive soft skills that help applicants stand out, especially in jobs that require customer service or personal interaction. For those who want to pursue it as a career, this degree is based in the humanities. An article from US News claims that “By taking classes that host discussions for difficult questions and provide many possible answers, philosophy majors will become skilled at forming arguments that are critical and reasoned.” From here, this degree can pave the path for careers in medicine, law, social work, and many other fields. This class is versatile and helpful even in jobs without a direct connection to philosophy.
Providing students access to philosophy is as important as classes like Career Academy or science, promoting basic skills that can be used in many situations. Philosophy can provide students with important life skills that become useful, no matter the path they take. Similar to the reason why we have core classes, philosophy should be added to high school curriculums as a mandatory class. According to the John Locke Institute, one of the biggest reasons to not teach philosophy is the fact that it encourages revolution-- revolution of the mind from the public schools' goal to mold its kids into mindless followers and workers. However, maybe that is what we need. Looking at the past generations who, for the most part, have not done much to help the earth, it is our turn to impact the world. As such, we need to open our minds to the answers to the questions we never take the time to ask.
Page updated
Report abuse