Philosophy 

As has been the case with many things over the past months, philosophy was on pause for most children at Arlington. But as the gates to the footy field opened up, so too did the opportunity for us to all meet in the classroom and begin philosophising again!During online learning, the Peppercorns took a deep dive into picking apart and building on each others’ ideas through the skill of evaluating and perspective taking. The children explored how a counter example is a form of evaluating an idea. For instance, if someone were to object to someone being a meat eater, it is not enough to say “That’s wrong, I don’t agree with that,” but instead to challenge them by saying something like “Would it be okay if someone were to eat pets for meat?”. Now forgive me if this seems a bit out of sorts for a typical classroom discussion with children, but such counter examples do tap into philosophically rich discussions that we all should explore. Think to yourself now (if you are a meat eater), which animals are off limits for me? Why? And if you’re are vegetarian or vegan, under what circumstances would I eat meat? Why? Really do it though…pause and think.Next, if you are a meat eater, vegetarian or vegan, imagine someone raises that exact example that you formulated in your mind to you. What would you say back to them? 

You are now potentially one step ahead of anyone who could raise an objection to your belief as you can predict how someone could evaluate a reason that you have for doing something. Sometimes we feel caught off guard, embarrassed or offended if someone raises an objection to our belief system. However, through philosophical discussion we can consider and engage with alternative views without feeling personally attacked as you have just done with yourself now. 

Evaluating, providing counter examples and perspective taking are all key skills that the Arlington children explore during our philosophy sessions so please don’t be caught off guard if one of your children asks you something philosophically challenging which you might not expect! 

Oliver Breedon

Teacher of Philosophy

oliver.breedon@preshil.vic.edu.au