1st Edition
Philosophy for Kids 40 Fun Questions That Help You Wonder About Everything!
Inspire animated discussions of questions that concern kids—and all of us—with this innovative, interactive book. Open your students' minds to the wonders of philosophy.
Allow them to grapple with the questions philosophers have discussed since the ancient Greeks. Questions include: “Who are your friends?,” “Can computers think?,” “Can something logical not make sense?,” and “Can you think about nothing?” Young minds will find these questions to be both entertaining and informative. If you have ever wondered about questions like these, you are well on your way to becoming a philosopher!
Philosophy for Kids offers young people the opportunity to become acquainted with the wonders of philosophy. Packed with exciting activities arranged around the topics of values, knowledge, reality, and critical thinking, this book can be used individually or by the whole class. Each activity allows kids to increase their understanding of philosophical concepts and issues and enjoy themselves at the same time.
In addition to learning about a challenging subject, students philosophizing in a classroom setting, as well as the casual reader of Philosophy for Kids, will sharpen their ability to think critically about these and similar questions. Experiencing the enjoyment of philosophical thought enhances a young person's appreciation for the importance of reasoning throughout the traditional curriculum of subjects.
The book includes activities, teaching tips, a glossary of terms, and suggestions for further reading.
Grades 4-12
Biography
David A. White has a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Toronto and has taught philosophy in colleges and universities since 1967. He has written nine books and over 50 articles in philosophy, literary criticism and educational theory. In 1985, he received a Fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies to study the function of myth in Platoís philosophy. Since 1993, he has taught programs in philosophy for the gifted centers and various magnet schools of the Chicago Public School system, the International Baccalaureate program at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago and Northwestern Universityís Center for Talent Development, grades 4-9. David is married to a philosopher, Mary Jeanne Larrabee, and has two sons, Daniel and Colin, both of whom, as demonstrated by their advanced knowledge of mathematics and the principles of computer science, are much smarter than he is.
"Start honing critical thinking skills early with a philosophy curriculum designed for elementary-aged kids. Think you have to wait until high school to dig into Socrates and Sartre? Think again!… Taking subject matter that many might initially find intimidating, White presents philosophy as highly relevant, playful, challenging, and fun. Philosophy for Kids is a thought-provoking resource that will appeal to curious learners who enjoy puzzling over life's mysteries. As a parent, you are likely to gain new insight into the wonderful ways that your child views the world as you delve into fascinating new subject matter together." – Rebecca Pickens, home/school/life magazine, 3/10/16
