The surprising benefits of kids asking questionsThe questions philosophy raises about life merit it a spot in the school schedule, but it's the wide-ranging benefits to other school subjects that make it so valuable for students.
Numerous studies have found that kids who take philosophy go on to excel in reading and math, too.
A recent study conducted among 3,000 fourth- and fifth-graders in 48 schools across England, for example, found that weekly, hour-long philosophy courses over one school year led to better literacy and math skills on follow-up tests two years later than with kids who took no philosophy courses. Neither group received any additional help in reading or math; the only difference was the introduction of philosophy.
Mohr Lone isn't surprised when she hears these collateral effects. Year after year, teachers gush that her philosophy courses teach kids skills they can apply in other classrooms. The child who learns to reason through a philosophical argument can better tease apart math problems, just as perspective-taking enriches a lesson about slavery in the 1800s.
Kids also get a master class in character-building. Philosophical inquiry teaches kids patience, listening skills, respect for others' opinions, and, perhaps above all, grit.Full article here.
My BA is in philosophy. Without exception, every other student I have talked to since, who took even only one intro course in philosophy, said it was worthwhile and hit to the core of what "education" was supposed to be about.
There is in fact only one problem human beings face in all times, places and circumstances. It is simply, "What do I do next?" That is the universal human question. And that is really the core question of philosophy.
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