Peter Worley, John Taylor, Mary Healy

Part of Philosophy for Children

5-5.50pm | Thursday 23 June 2011
Room EAS171, New Theatre, East Building, LSE

Speakers
Peter Worley, Chief Executive Officer, The Philosophy Shop
John Taylor, Director of Critical Studies, Rugby School
Mary Healy, Senior Lecturer in Education, Roehampton University

Chair
Anthony Seldon, Master of Wellington College

The question many people want to know is: Can children do philosophy? Peter Worley, who has been doing philosophy with children for the past decade, will present an argument (with evidence) adopting a provisional definition of philosophy that will attempt to quell some of the sceptic’s concerns.

Teenagers are naturally argumentative; they are also at a stage of life in which they are beginning to reflect more deeply. It makes sense, then, to introduce them to philosophy by giving them a basic training in some elements of the subject. For the past 12 years, John Taylor has been developing project-based approaches to philosophical questions. In this talk, he will outline how valuable project work can be as a tool for helping young people engage with philosophy.

Mary Healy will be discussing her experience as both a philosopher and as a practicing primary teacher. She was introduced to Philosophy for Children as a doctoral student whilst teaching children ages 4-7 and 7-11. After taking two Philosophy for Children courses, she adapted the suggested methodology within her teaching over several years.