Nasty, Brutish and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids, Scott Hershovitz's latest book, examines why children are so adept at philosophy. It is an enjoyable and enlightening read that's also an excellent way for adults to learn about philosophy.
Children have a ferocious curiosity for the details of the world. They are not hesitant to pose absurd questions, which are occasionally exactly what philosophers need to delve into the heart of a matter.
Children's philosophy allows young people to investigate common yet perplexing ideas, develop their thinking, and make sense of the world.
It aids in developing life skills, including communication, emotional control, and critical reasoning. Persistent ethical questioning can also show people how to self-correct their thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns.
Philosophy is a topic that, in contrast to many others, has been found to improve critical thinking, moral and ethical awareness, social development, and cognitive capacity in youngsters.
Teaching children philosophy significantly benefits both the students who participate in these sessions and their teachers. Researchers discovered in a 2004 review that pupils who study philosophy have more muscular cognitive functions and superior critical thinking abilities than those who do not.
Children have an innate curiosity about the world. They frequently ponder why things are the way they are or why others are not like them. They also strongly desire to expand their knowledge and practice problem-solving skills.
Children must learn to reason using criteria, self-correcting, and be attentive to context to develop critical thinking. Youngsters who study philosophy develop a more comprehensive grasp of their environment and its values in addition to merely becoming smarter.
Practitioners of Philosophy with Children employ the pedagogy of seeking (Lipman, 2010; Wartenberg, 2009), in which children are given questions about their being in the world, to help children acquire philosophical sensibility. This gives students the freedom to develop their independence and skills in ways unhindered by the rigid rules of regular schooling.
Many kids have a natural curiosity for the world and a drive to learn from birth. It is a quality that develops with time but can be nurtured and fostered.
Starting discussions is one of the best methods to get youngsters to think like philosophers. Books are the most significant way to start.
They can impart knowledge about our surroundings, prompting us to reflect on our place and how we relate to others. Also, they raise queries that could result in philosophic discussions.
Also, YouTube channels like Crash Course, instruct young children in critical thinking. These movies frequently use pop culture allusions and explain philosophical issues via a narrative that appeals to children's imaginations and encourages them to process their ideas.
Teaching philosophy in schools can also assist students in developing sympathetic behavior, self-esteem, and better academic success. According to studies, kids who study philosophy as part of their curriculum demonstrate greater empathy for others, have better language abilities and are less likely to experience bullying at school.
Building a fortress, painting a picture, singing and dancing, or engaging in other expressive activities are all examples of how naturally creative children are.
They are also incredibly curious about everything around them. They press buttons, turn knobs, and open drawers to learn more about their surroundings.
Adults should be aware of and incorporate this quality throughout their life. A fantastic strategy to enjoy the day and ensure happiness is to be curious about your life.
Another smart move is to grin when you are happy. It is a fantastic method to feel better and cheer up others around you.