Who Knows What May Be Lurking in Young Minds?

For those who want to discuss philosophy with their children or students, but aren't sure how to get started, here's a book that might help.

The Dead Philosophers' Cafe by Vittorio Hosle is an entertaining series of letters (real ones) between a philosophy professor and an eleven-year-old girl. Nora (the younger participant), has done a little reading on her own, and is full of questions about the meaning of life, the nature of ideas, and other mysteries. Over the course of two years, the unlikely pair cover a number of great thinkers, and occasionally disagree. The letters not only demonstrate the incredible potential of young philosophers, but also ways in which adults can begin difficult, but important conversations.

Add this to your list of back-to-school supplies!