PHILOSOPHY NEWS

AUSTRALASIAN PHILOSOTHON

Dear Community,

Currently in its fourth year, the Australasian Philosothon event unites schools from across Australia and Singapore to critically discuss life’s Big Questions.  What is the prerequisite? Humans only-- well, for now-- and participation in the Philosothon state event.  Philosothons support the Philosophy for Children movement in education which began in North America founded by Matthew Lipman, Professor of Logic at Columbia University.

The Philosothon started in WA by Matthew Wills of Hale School in 2007.  His idea was based on the Ethics Bowls in universities across North America.  Currently, nearly every state in Australia holds an annual Philosothon where student teams tackle big ethical and philosophical dilemmas using the Community of Inquiry approach.  Students are challenged to consider many perspectives before constructing and/or modifying their own point of view and explain their ideas clearly, logically and respectfully.

Congratulations to eight of our very own McKinnon philosophers from Years 7-12:  Chad Aizicowitz, Adam El Horri, Geordan Tyzack, Gideon Stein, Lochie Carey, Oscar Abram, Daniel Ledda and Tom Turner, who will be representing Victoria in the 2014 Australasian Philosothon.  The philosophy camp will be held at Hale School in Perth, WA during the school holidays from July 9-12. Student philosophers from across Australia and Singapore will be engaged in rigorous thinking, discussion and inquiry into complex Big Questions such as: Should athletes be allowed to use genetic enhancements to improve performance?   We have souls?  Should some kinds of scientific research be censured?  And, are there limits of expression in a civilized society?

In preparation for the event, student philosophers meet on Fridays at lunch time in Philosophy Club and after school.  Guest speakers will include volunteers from the Humanist Society Victoria and our very own Ms Rogerson.  Philosophy Club sessions are always open to all students and staff.

Intrigued?  Please visit www.philosothon.org for stimulus material on the aforementioned topics, and consider philosophizing with your own family, friends and neighbours!

For further information please visit the Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA) at www.fapsa.org.au and The Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children, http://www.montclair.edu/cehs/academics/centers-and-institutes/iapc/what-is/

Thank you to students, parents and School Council for their continued support.

Yours in promoting philosophical dialogue with children.

Michelle Rocca

Philosothon Coordinator

roc@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au