PHILOSOPHICAL PONDERING WITH CHILDREN

In collaboration with researchers from the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, interactive lectures are held at our school as part of the programme ‘Philosophical Pondering with Children.’ The lectures are intended for Grade 9 students but interested Grade 8 students are also welcome to participate in philosophical discussions. The following topics are discussed during these lectures: How do we think and reason? How do we know what is good and what is evil? What makes us courageous? What is the relationship between equality and diversity? How can we recognize and achieve tolerance? What is justice? What is the purpose of art? Is there a way to connect, represent, and understand the vast amount of information around us and within us, to comprehend what connects and separates them, making our own thoughts clearer? Can we formulate opinions on matters that concern us in a way that allows us to advocate for and defend them with reasoned arguments? Can we express ourselves more clearly to others to facilitate more fruitful conversations and understanding? Can the clarity of our thoughts make us less confused, less frightened, less insecure? Does philosophizing make us better people, better friends, braver, happier, and wiser?