ABSTRACT

Inspire animated discussions of questions that concern kids—and all of us—with this innovative, interactive book. Open your students' minds to the wonders of philosophy.

Allow them to grapple with the questions philosophers have discussed since the ancient Greeks. Questions include: “Who are your friends?,” “Can computers think?,” “Can something logical not make sense?,” and “Can you think about nothing?” Young minds will find these questions to be both entertaining and informative. If you have ever wondered about questions like these, you are well on your way to becoming a philosopher!

Philosophy for Kids offers young people the opportunity to become acquainted with the wonders of philosophy. Packed with exciting activities arranged around the topics of values, knowledge, reality, and critical thinking, this book can be used individually or by the whole class. Each activity allows kids to increase their understanding of philosophical concepts and issues and enjoy themselves at the same time.

In addition to learning about a challenging subject, students philosophizing in a classroom setting, as well as the casual reader of Philosophy for Kids, will sharpen their ability to think critically about these and similar questions. Experiencing the enjoyment of philosophical thought enhances a young person's appreciation for the importance of reasoning throughout the traditional curriculum of subjects.

The book includes activities, teaching tips, a glossary of terms, and suggestions for further reading.

Grades 4-12

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

part I|27 pages

Values

chapter Question #1|3 pages

Are you a fair and just person?

chapter Question #2|3 pages

How do you know who your friends are?

chapter Question #3|3 pages

Should you be rewarded for your efforts in school?

chapter Question #4|2 pages

Should you let little things bother you?

chapter Question #5|3 pages

Is it your duty to give to charity?

chapter Question #7|2 pages

Should you ever tell a lie?

part II|28 pages

Knowledge

chapter Question #11|4 pages

How do you know for certain that things move?

chapter Question #12|3 pages

What makes something you say true?

chapter Question #13|3 pages

Can you doubt that you exist?

chapter Question #16|2 pages

How can you tell when you know something?

chapter Question #18|3 pages

Can you lie to yourself?

chapter Question #20|2 pages

Can computers think?

part III|31 pages

Reality

chapter Question #21|3 pages

Can you think about nothing at all?

chapter Question #22|2 pages

Does anything ever happen by chance?

chapter Question #23|2 pages

What happens to numbers when you are not using them?

chapter Question #24|2 pages

Are numbers and people equally real?

chapter Question #25|4 pages

Is time what you see when you look at a clock?

chapter Question #27|3 pages

Are you the same person you were five years ago?

chapter Question #28|3 pages

Do you have a free will?

chapter Question #29|2 pages

Does anything depend on everything?

chapter Question #30|5 pages

Are impossible things ever possible?

part IV|29 pages

Critical Thinking

chapter Question #38|3 pages

“I am lying.” True or false?