New Article Up

Check out the new posting on SoulsCode.com:
http://www.soulscode.com/toddlers-in-togas-the-examined-life-starts-early/

Fall Workshop!

What Are We, Really? (Environmental Philosophy for Children aged 7-12)

Have you ever wondered what makes a human a human? Can you explain what makes us different from other animals, or even plants? In this workshop, we’ll step into the wonderful world of philosophy, and talk about humans, our environment, and why we should be kind to our planet. Meet famous minds, participate in fun activities, and learn to philosophize like a pro!


• Saturday, October 24, 10-11:30am at POWER Halton Hills
• free admission, includes games, activities, discussions and take-home resources for parents and teachers
• register by calling (905) 873-1820 or emailing info@powerhalton.ca
  

New Websites!

In an effort to make philosophy a family affair, we're proud to introduce two new websites:

www.teensthinkaboutit.com
www.localphilosophers.com

We love questions, comments and feedback. Please visit and enjoy!

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!

Women Philosophers: Look Closely. They're There.

There's no shortage of great thinkers, but in philosophy, it's sometimes difficult to find females in the crowd. Admittedly, most historical eras did not encourage deep thought in ladies, but make no mistake, there were still a significant number of them who decided to buck tradition and use their heads. For thousands of years, women have been involved in logic, ethics, theory of reality, theory of knowledge, political theory, religious philosophy, aesthetics, and much more.

If you have a curious little girl looking for a new role model, or if you'd like to present a more inclusive picture to your little boy, check out these wonderful websites, and meet some amazing women who have contributed to the evolution of thought and wisdom.

http://www.women-philosophers.com/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_female_philosophers
http://www.uh.edu/~cfreelan/SWIP/women.html
http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/9974/

Change in Schedule for Children's Workshop

"What Are We Really?", our workshop for children interested in philosophy and the environment, has been moved to Thursday, July 23 from 10-11:30 am. Young thinkers ages 7-12 are welcome, and this is a free event. There will be discussions about critters of all shapes and sizes (including humans), fun activities, as well as take-home resources for parents. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, please contact POWER Halton Hills at info@powerhalton.ca, or at (905) 873-1820. If you'd like to know more about the workshop itself, feel free to contact Amy Leask at amy@enabletc.com, or at (905) 864-1858 x3. Hope to see you there!

Think and Ride

Well, it isn't explicitly about children's philosophy, but I think this article does drive home the idea that great thought doesn't have to happen in an academic setting. All of us, including children, spend a great deal of time doing menial things, like commuting, or cutting the grass, or washing the dishes. It's often through routine tasks like these that we get five or ten precious minutes of quiet to actually think about nothing in particular, and these moments present a rare opportunity to ponder the mysteries of the universe. Just as I firmly believe that Sartre, Aristotle and Rand belong in conversations with little people, I believe that there's room for them in our own daily tasks as well.

We'll never get the opportunity to chat with Gandhi on a crowded city bus, but...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8117567.stm