Philosophy in schools in Australia dates back to the 1980s and is rooted in the Philosophy for Children curriculum and pedagogy. Seeing potential for educational change, Australian advocates were quick to develop new classroom resources and innovative programs that have proved influential in educational practice throughout Australia and internationally. Behind their contributions lie key philosophical and educational discussions and controversies which have shaped attempts to introduce philosophy in schools and embed it in state and national curricula.

Drawing together a wide range of eminent scholars and practitioners in the field of educational philosophy, this anthology, the first of its kind, provides not only a historical narrative, but an opportunity to reflect on the insights and experiences of the authors that have made history. The collection is divided into three parts. The overarching theme of Part I is the early years of Philosophy for Children in Australia and how they informed the course that the 'philosophy in schools movement' would take. Part II focuses on the events and debates surrounding the development and production of new materials, including arguments for and against the suitability of the original Philosophy for Children curriculum. In Part III, key developments relating to teaching philosophy in schools are analysed.

This collection of diverse views, critical appraisals, and different perspectives of historical currents is intended to stimulate thought-provoking questions about theory and practice, and to increase general awareness both nationally and internationally of the maturation of philosophy in schools in Australia. It is also intended to encourage readers to identify emerging ideas and develop strategies for their implementation.

About the Author

Gilbert Burgh is Senior Lecturer in the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at the University of Queensland, Australia. He is the founder of the Queensland Association for Philosophy in Schools and has published widely on democratic education, citizenship, ethics and dialogic inquiry.

Simone Thornton teaches Philosophy in the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at the University of Queensland, Australia. Her area of specialisation is environmental education, and her publications range from Albert Camus and education, to the role of genuine doubt in collaborative philosophical inquiry.

Reviews

"Two elements regarding the construction of the argument of this book are what makes the book of great value to readers beyond Australia and beyond philosophy for children. First, each chapter is a combination of personal stories integrated with educational, philosophical and pedagogical theory that simultaneously focuses on P4wC and COI and broader educational and cultural issues. The second advantage of the structure of the book is the different vantage points of the authors." - Richard Morehouse, Journal of Didactics of Philosophy

"This book offers a robust and refined picture of P4C to anyone keen to understand how P4C fits into a specific educational, cultural, and political context. Its contribution is particular timely and important for some countries that try to employ a wholistic approach to P4C intended to create a more supportive environment for P4C practitioners. This book offers a good starting point to realise not only an inquiring school community but an inquiring society/world." - Kei Nishiyama, Philosophical Inquiry in Education

Book Information
ISBN 9781138362963
Author Gilbert Burgh
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 488g