Philosophy for Children
What is P4C?
Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an international educational movement designed to engage children (K-12) in fun, philosophically-guided and intellectually-safe discussions. The program is as much about promoting a sense of community and respect as it is about learning how to think deeply and logically about various topics (e.g. reasoning, giving examples and counter-examples, building strong arguments). It is designed to introduce students to important philosophical and logical principles in a fun, engaging, and intellectually-safe method. Students have the chance to express themselves in philosophically-guided discussions that promote creative-thinking abilities and logical skills while fostering one's sense of wonder.
The building of an "intellectually-safe environment" is the starting point of the program. This refers to the fostering of a learning atmosphere in which everyone respects, listens to and considers each other's ideas so everyone can feel comfortable expressing his or her thoughts.
All philosophy begins in wonder, and P4C is dedicated to embodying this idea. Children are able to think about issues, practical or theoretical, which they otherwise might not have the opportunity to discuss. Discussing various engaging topics in a safe, fun and logical way allows students to enrich and inspire within themselves that sense of wonder about the world which cultivates strong minds and happy hearts.
The P4C program at Creighton University started in Fall 2006 under the leadership of Dr. Jinmei Yuan, Professor of Philosophy at Creighton. Dr. Yuan worked closely with Dr. Thomas Jackson, Director of Philosophy in the Schools Project at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, during her Ph.D. candidacy there and officially brought the program to Creighton. Since January 2007, P4C at Creighton has been actively involved in several schools throughout Omaha as well as schools in China, including a school in rural Tibet.
If you would like to get involved, please email us at p4c@creighton.edu. In the email, please state your name, current standing (e.g. sophomore, alumni, other), major/minor/academic background, and your comment or request.
Whether you are a student who is interested in attending a P4C session to learn more or become a p4c facilitator, or a teacher who would like to learn more about how to get a P4C class started in your school, please let us know.
Director: | Program & Outreach Manager: |
Contact Information
Creighton University
Department of Philosophy
Dowling Hall (Humanities Building) 1st Floor
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178 USA
Chloe Meyer
Administrative Assistant
ChloeMeyer@creighton.edu
Phone: 402.280.2834
Fax: 402.280.3359
Office: DHHC 105
