Defined by the professional body Sapere as:
‘A group of people used to thinking
together with a view to increasing their
understanding and appreciation of the
world around them and each other.
Philosophy can be used to improve
teaching and learning, for the lasting
benefit of individuals and communities.’
Trickey and Topping (2004) detail a large-scale study in Scotland where children participated in a weekly P4C session.
Statistically significant increases in children’s IQ scores over a period of a year were identified, compared with no increase in the scores of the control group.
The same study showed significant gains in verbal and non-verbal reasoning and along with improvements in listening, communication, behaviour, questioning, reasoning, reading, writing and understanding.
A closing of the gap between low- and high-achievement within classes was also found.
Trickey, S. & Topping, K.J. (2004) Philosophy for children: a systematic review. Research Papers in Education 19 (3) p365 – 380
