In the past decade well-designed research studies have shown that the practice of collaborative philosophical inquiry in schools can have marked cognitive and social benefits. Student academic performance improves, and so too does the social dimension of schooling. These findings are timely, as many countries in Asia and the Pacific are now contemplating introducing Philosophy into their curricula. This paper gives a brief history of collaborative philosophical inquiry before surveying the evidence as to its effectiveness. The evidence is canvassed under (...) two categories: schooling and thinking skills; and schooling, socialisation and values. In both categories there is clear evidence that even short-term teaching of collaborative philosophical inquiry has marked positive effects on students. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research and a final claim that the presently-available research evidence is strong enough to warrant implementing collaborative philosophical inquiry as part of a long-term policy. (shrink)

Word of the inauguration of a newsletter on the program in Analytical Thinking that is based in the School of Education at Texas Wesleyan College is indeed welcome. Knowing the energy and expertise of the two administrators of the program, Dean Joe Mitchell and Professor Ronald Reed, I have no doubt that the newsletter will be a success, and I shall look forward to receiving every issue.

Author note: Matthew Lipman, Professor of Philosophy at Montclair State College and Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children, is ...

Presenting breadth and depth of coverage in a highly readable style, the seventh edition of this popular survey book again provides balanced treatment of all the major schools of thought about education. The authors address how philosophical ideas about education developed over time— arranging their coverage in chronological order— and paying close attention to historical context, while emphasizing each philosophy's continuing relevance to education today. For each philosophy, they show its application in aims, curriculum, methods, and teaching. Additionally, they critically (...) assess each philosophy, and examine how numerous other scholars view it. Thorough revision throughout brings every aspect of the coverage as up-to-date as possible, particularly in coverage of Idealism, Eastern philosophy, Pragmatism, and Postmodernism. For today's educators and philosophers. (shrink)

On the 20th anniversary of its publication, this classic manifesto is updated with an important new preface by the author. Freire reflects on the impact his book has had, and on many of the issues it raises for readers in the 1990s. These include the fundamental question of liberation and inclusive language as it relates to Freire's own insights and approaches.

Ph.D. University of Hawaii at Manoa 2013.