We are born curious. Children wonder if dreams are real, where the sky ends, why we die. We don’t think of these questions as philosophical, but they are.
- Six-year-olds ask, “Is it fair that she got three pieces of candy and I only got one?”
- Philosophers ask, “What is fairness?”
Philosophy doesn’t happen only in colleges and universities; it is alive within all of us, beginning early in our lives.
Philosophy teaches us to:
- Strengthen analytic reasoning skills
- Sharpen writing, listening, and problem-solving abilities
- Question our assumptions
- Critically evaluate information and beliefs
- Appreciate complexity
- Develop confidence and skill in expressing our views
- Understand that there are many ways to see the world.
In classrooms that engage in “communities of philosophical inquiry,” teachers and students inquire together. Every student’s voice is valued. Students generate their own questions about issues relevant to their lives and learn to give good reasons for their beliefs. They come to realize that they are engaged in a conversation that has been going on for thousands of years.
Young people find these discussions challenging and compelling. Because philosophical questions do not have settled answers, there is no pressure to find that “one right answer.” No one has all the answers – and sometimes, reaching an answer isn’t as important as asking the right questions.
All students should have the opportunity to cultivate philosophical habits of mind, which nurture lifelong learning and encourage us to become more thoughtful friends, neighbors, and citizens, better able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
PLATO’S CORE VALUES
Community Respect Equity Inclusivity Openness Humility Curiosity Playfulness
We are committed to creating a community in which everyone feels welcome and experiences a sense of belonging. We respect the dignity, autonomy, and worth of all people of all ages.
We strive for equity. Recognizing the importance of making our world more inclusive, we are dedicated to ensuring that all who wish to participate in our programs can do so.
We cultivate openness, embracing creative and thoughtful new ideas; we value humility, realizing how much we can learn by listening to others.
Curiosity is at the core of our work: we wonder and ask questions throughout our lives. This work is serious, but we also value playfulness, celebrating the joy of all we discover by inquiring with others.