ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the nature of philosophy and presents some of the most influential philosophers from ancient to modern times. It provides an overview of some of the most influential philosophers and philosophies which may underpin practice and provision in the early years. The chapter explores and analyses personal beliefs and consider what influences those beliefs. It considers the notion of shared philosophies and provides the development and articulation of a personal philosophy. The chapter considers more developments in thinking and the philosophies underpinning some initiatives. Philosophy is concerned with the pursuit of wisdom and is a large and well-studied discipline in itself which focused on deep and fundamental issues. Contemporary philosophy includes aspects of feminism and postmodernist theory. A shared philosophy does not mean that everyone concerned should think alike, but that individual philosophies are coherent and shared, so that there is a common thread and vision for collaboration.
