At what age can children understand philosophy?

Are Children Capable of Philosophical Thinking? Jean Piaget’s (1933 ) well-known theory of cognitive development suggests that prior to age 11 or 12, most children are not capable of philosophical thinking.

Should philosophy be taught to children?

Studies have demonstrated that children who study philosophy are more likely to achieve better academic results. They also enjoy additional social benefits such as better self-esteem and the demonstration of empathy for others.

Why do children need to learn philosophy?

Can kids learn philosophy from an early age?

When I started running philosophy workshops for primary school children, I quickly saw that kids, too, have the capacity to enquire philosophically from an early age. They’re nimble in playing with ideas and deft in building on each other’s arguments.

What should I expect from a 10 year old child?

As such, many 10-year-old children can be pleasant company at dinner and at social gatherings, capable of expressing their thoughts on current events, books, music, art, and other subjects. For many children, the development phase around 10 years old is packed with learning and rapid-paced cognitive growth.

How can we encourage philosophical enquiry in children?

By setting children on a path of philosophical enquiry early in life, we could offer them irreplaceable gifts: an awareness of life’s moral, aesthetic and political dimensions; the capacity to articulate thoughts clearly and evaluate them honestly; and the confidence to exercise independent judgement and self-correction.

What is the emotional development of a 10 year old?

Emotional Development. A 10-year-old child may be trying to keep up with ever-more difficult school work, working to fit in and socialize with friends, and dealing with the physical changes of growing up.