Madison Public Philosophy

One of the major complaints about philosophy is that it is too "ivory tower" it is unconnected with the concerns and plights of people in the real world. It is, in short, solely an academic endeavor. Madison Public Philosophy (MPP) is challenging that assumption by bringing philosophy to the community.

Most recently MPP has brought philosophy to one of our local elementary schools where groups of kindergarteners(!!) and fifth graders are engaging in weekly philosophic inquiries. Some of the questions we have explored cover, how we know when something is real, basic logic and fallacies (bandwagon and slippery slope), animal ethics, and conceptual analysis of things like sharing and grown-ups. 

Kindergartner and fifth-grade students at a local elementary school are engaging in weekly sessions of philosophic inquiry.

Most people ask us if the kindergarteners could really engage any of these questions in a substantial manner. My answer has always been: Yes! If my university students exhibited the curiosity, creativity, and interest, I would be thrilled. Kindergartners haven't been told that some questions are stupid or fallen into predictable thinking and reasoning patterns yet. This actually makes them exceptional philosophers. They are constantly asking "Why?" and aren't yet afraid to offer wild and creative answers. Ask any parent who has told a child some rule like, "don't hit your sibling." That child will suddenly display more skill than a third year philosophy student finding exception after exception and counterexample after counterexample. "Well, what if there is a bug biting her?" "What if she hit me first?" The list will go on and on. Also, there is no person more creative in making arguments than a child that wants your piece of candy. They can generate reasons out of thin air when candy is involved. 

In short, the kindergartners blew us away. Not only were they the highlight of my week with their infectious energy and sincere affection, I also learned a lot about doing philosophy from them. They really embody what MPP is trying to do; they take philosophy and they play with it. They use to connect to each other, to explore, and to learn. This is truly philosophy at its finest. For some more about MPP and to see some of my favorite lessons check out my Learning Activities page.