David Birch's Provocations: Philosophy for secondary school will help teachers to present ideas and stimulate discussions which both accommodate and engage adolescent appetites. Foreword by A. C. Grayling. Are human beings flawed? Is murder an act of insanity or just plain thoughtlessness? Do we need a soul? From the fall of Icarus to the rise of Caesar, this practical resource draws upon history, philosophy and literature to provoke students to think, question and wonder. Divided into chapters on the world, self, society and others, the book is designed to give secondary school teachers the means to listen rather than teach - and to allow the ideas and thoughts of students to form the centre of the lesson. It shares a set of mature and challenging philosophy sessions predicated on the pedagogical methods of The Philosophy Foundation, and which explore, among other things: Wagner and desire, Shakespeare and madness, Joan of Arc and gender, Faust and temptation, and Nostradamus and time. The sessions dare students to think philosophically, to generate and test ideas, and to gain deeper insights - and raise questions on slavery, consumerism, utopia, the nature of evil, the limits of freedom, belief in God, and a whole lot more. The book sets out a clear introductory outline on its use both in and out of the classroom, and contains helpful tips and advice to guide teachers to span the curriculum - covering areas applicable to history, geography, religious studies, science, art, English and citizenship. There is also an extensive bibliography for those who wish to explore the topics in greater depth. Designed for all teachers, whether they are Philosophy for Children (P4C) trained or just experimenting with philosophy, of learners aged 11-18. There is also a hardback edition available, ISBN 9781845908881.

About the Author
David Birch works for The Philosophy Foundation, an award-winning charity that brings philosophy to schools and the wider community. He is also a teacher of philosophy and religious studies at both Newham Sixth Form College and Kensington Park School. Peter Worley BA MA FRSA is co-founder and CEO of The Philosophy Foundation, President of SOPHIA, and an award-winning author and editor of books about doing philosophy in schools.Peter is resident philosopher at 4 state primary schools in Lewisham, visiting philosopher at Wellington College and Eagle House School, and a Visiting Research Associate at Kings College London's Philosophy Department. He has delivered training for philosophy departments across the UK, including Edinburgh, Warwick, Oxford Brookes and Birmingham Universities. He talks, presents, writes and gives workshops about philosophy in schools and The Philosophy Foundation's work - but importantly continues to work in the classroom which is the inspiration for his pedagogy, philosophy in schools practice, theory and writing.


Book Information
ISBN 9781785833687
Author David Birch
Format Paperback
Page Count 328
Imprint Crown House Publishing
Publisher Crown House Publishing
Weight(grams) 420g