Must-see Video Clip

A friend forwarded this to me today, and I think it really describes the paradigm shift happening with children and adolescents. I love its "teach me to think" message, and I think it's great that something as old as philosophy can help to make the most of a modern technological movement. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8

Yes, Virginia...

There's really no bad time to challenge little minds with big questions, even amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Here are a few questions you might take on with wee philosophers:

• Why is it better to give than to receive? Is it okay to think of ourselves sometimes? How do we help ourselves while helping others?
• How can you tell if Santa has been to your house? Can you trust your eyes and look for clues? What kind of clues prove that Santa has been there? This is obviously a question for smaller thinkers. For the slightly older and more cynical, you might want to discuss whether it's okay to believe in Santa in the first place.
  
• What makes the most beautiful Christmas tree (or wreath, gingerbread house, menorah, Kwanzaa decorations, etc.)? What does it mean for something to be beautiful?

Here's wishing everyone a lot of cheer, and a few deep thoughts in the coming holiday season.

Don't Let the Dimples and Drool Fool You

Alison Gopnik is a psychologist from UC Berkeley with a background in philosophy. She, like many of us, is convinced that even while we're in diapers, we're thinking about the universe, and considering the needs and feelings of those around us. True, it's difficult to strike up a discussion of postmodernism over Cheerios and sippy-cups. However, if we approach philosophy on a little person's terms, we do see evidence that they think about more than just their pacifiers and their next meal. Gopnik calls babies the "research and development" department of the human race, and insists that they're smart and curious, even without an entourage of expensive, high tech toys. Here are a couple of interesting clips, including a fantastic interview with Stephen Colbert.

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-colbert-report/full-episodes/the-colbert-report---october-7-2009/#clip220761

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERSiBlNz8UU

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!