The Philosophical Child
CevvelaThe Philosophical Child
Jana Mohr Lone · Sola Unitas · 2012
Summary
The Philosophical Child, written by Jana Mohr Lone, is a guidebook designed to help develop children’s philosophical thinking skills. In her book, Lone explains how we can nurture children’s innate curiosity and ability to question, and how we can encourage them to think and ask questions.
Children and Philosophical Thinking: Jana Mohr Lone argues that children are, in fact, natural-born philosophers. As they strive to understand the world around them, children constantly ask questions—questions that are often philosophical in nature. Lone emphasizes that these philosophical questions are often overlooked or not taken seriously enough by adults. Yet, paying attention to children’s questions and encouraging them to think positively impacts their cognitive development.
Main Themes of the Book: In the book, Lone presents various methods and strategies that can be used to teach children how to think philosophically. These methods include asking open-ended questions, giving children opportunities to express their own thoughts, and guiding them in ways that help develop their thinking.
Lone also discusses how children can apply philosophical thinking in their daily lives and how this way of thinking can help them cope with various situations they encounter. The book offers practical suggestions and exercises for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with children.
Philosophical Discussions and Children: A key topic addressed in the book is how philosophical discussions can help children build self-confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and become more empathetic individuals. Lone notes that philosophical discussions are a powerful tool that enables children to express their own views, understand others’ perspectives, and defend their ideas.
Quotes from Cevvela
“Philosophy is a discipline that uses reasoning and sound argument to support human flourishing.”
“Allowing for the enormous differences in knowledge and experience, children — just like us — develop an understanding of the world and of what it means to be in it.”
“The book Why, written by Lindsay Camp and illustrated by Tony Ross, sheds light on the value of questions and questioning. The story is about Lily, who asks “Why?” about almost everything that happens. Her father tries to answer all her questions, but sometimes, when he is very tired or busy, he replies, “That’s just the way it is, Lily.” One day a huge spaceship lands on Earth and aliens appear. They announce that their mission is to destroy the planet. Everyone is terrified and no one can say a word — except Lily, who asks, “Why?” After several “Why?” questions in a row, the aliens realize they do not know why they are doing it, and they leave. So can questions save a planet? Constantly asking “Why?” can sometimes be very tiresome, but asking nothing at all is far more dangerous.”
“Philosophy always gives you the chance to think differently from how you usually think, because our questions do not have a single answer; many possibilities are at stake.”
“Parents do not approach their children’s questions as the kind of questions that could expand the limits of philosophical thinking. When they do not take the matter seriously, they conclude that children are not capable of philosophical exploration. Can children ask philosophical questions? What does philosophical thinking mean? Can children think this way? Why should we take these questions seriously? Looking back through history, we see that philosophers and other thinkers did almost no work on how philosophical thinking emerges in childhood. Philosophy, unlike mathematics, literature or science, is seen as a discipline suited mainly to adults — at least in the United States. People who never encounter philosophy until they take it as a school subject need an introduction to get to know the great philosophers. Yet on its own, such an introduction is not enough for students’ process of questioning and of the search for meaning that philosophical thinking involves. That is why adults unfamiliar with philosophy tend to think it is “too hard” and “too abstract” for children, and that children lack the capacity to consider philosophical questions. As a result, they easily overlook children’s ability for philosophical inquiry and deep thought.”
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The Philosophical Child offers a wonderful resource for parents and educators who want to develop children’s abilities to think and question. Jana Mohr Lone compellingly explains how philosophy can play a more meaningful role in children’s lives. The book shows how we can preserve children’s innate sense of curiosity and how this curiosity can contribute to their intellectual development.
The book serves as an in-depth guide, particularly for those who want to understand how children can embrace philosophical thinking. Lone’s practical suggestions and real-life examples are among the book’s strongest points.
In terms of criticism, some readers may feel that the book is written in an academic style, which could make certain sections difficult to understand. However, the concepts and methods Lone presents serve to balance these challenges and reinforce the book’s overall message.