Philosophy For Children

INSTRUCTOR INFO

Brian Elliott

elliott3@pdx.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Portland State University’s Philosophy Department is part of a growing movement of teaching Philosophy for Children. Philosophy for Children (P4C) programs promote the development of critical thinking, metacognition (thinking about thinking), and ethical and social responsibility through philosophical inquiry.

Students will learn about best practices in P4C, discuss the practical and philosophical issues of teaching philosophy to K-12 students, and gain classroom experience with community partners. 

Course Goals:

The aspiration is for the class to be a philosophical journey in which we ponder what education is, what it aims to do, what role it ought to play in our communities, and how we might improve it. 

Project Description

We will be collaborating with teachers at two Montessori Middle Schools to develop philosophy curriculum and join their classrooms to implement our lesson plans. In the process, we will discuss texts that explore issues in Philosophy for Children and Philosophy of Education, as well as read and reflect on writings in the philosophy of education from Plato to bell hooks. 

CONTACT INFO

Brian Elliot, elliott3@pdx.edu