In Principio August 2017

TALKING PHILOSOPHY Empirical studies have demonstrated that students who study philosophy have improved literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. In this Q&A, Dr Laura D’Olimpio, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus, discusses the value of philosophy and why we should encourage children’s ‘why?’ questions. Q1. WHY IS THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY VALUABLE? Philosophy is valuable because it trains the thinking skills everyone needs in life and invites us to pause and consider the ‘bigger picture’. Empirical studies demonstrated that children studying one hour of philosophy per week improved overall on test results and therewere reports of better behaviour. Teaching children philosophy promotes the practice of good habits, while not being costly to implement in the classroom. Given this is the case, the real question is why aren’t more schools offering philosophy as a compulsory subject to all students? Q2. HOW YOU THINK PHILOSOPHY IS BEST TAUGHT? I believe that philosophy should be taught dialogically, that is to say we should practise thinking and engaging with others philosophically, to develop critical thinking skills supported by moral intentions and appropriate affective dispositions, such as compassion. These skills are necessary as we live in a global society that is more connected than ever. The method of Socratic Dialogue goes back to the birth of Western Philosophy in Ancient Greece when Socrates would wander the streets of Athens conversing with others in an effort to seek the truth. Q3. WHERE DO YOU START? I believe we are all born natural philosophers in the sense that human beings are inquisitive and love learning about life and the world around them. I think it is important to encourage children’s 'why?' questions from a very early age, take them seriously, and playfully engage with their answers. Adults can also learn from engaging in such discussions! Q4. HOW DOES THE TEACHING OF PHILOSOPHY ‘PLAY OUT’ WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS? In philosophy classes it is wonderful to see students engaging excitedly with classical thought experiments such as ‘how can I be 100% sure that I’m not a brain in a vat?’. More room needs to be made in educational spaces for such philosophical reflection, wondering, dialogue and the exploration of ideas for their own sake. This is sorely needed given much of education is aimed at test results and measurable outcomes. Q5. HOW DOES PHILOSOPHY PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THEIR CAREER? A philosophical question invites contemplation, wonder, and will generate multiple answers. The role of philosophy is to fully interrogate the answers in order to determine which is the best and most reasonable. Seeking and defending such answers is useful to students both in their future careers as well as everyday life. Q & A D R L AU R A D ’ O L I MP I O I N P R I N C I P I O | 1 8