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Gareth Matthews and the Philosophy of Childhood

Marella Ada V. Mancenido-Bolanos

Abstract

Gareth Matthews believes that children are natural philosophers capable of asking and addressing philosophical problems. However, their inquisitiveness disappears through socialization. Matthews encourages adults to nourish children’s thinking by inviting children to think with adults, by allowing them to take part in the thinking process of the community, in this case the community may be considered as the classroom or a family dinner where members of the family discuss matters which attract the curiosity of children. Whichever way, adults should be able to fashion themselves to children as adults who are thinking and are open to talking with children who are just beginning to explore their thoughts. With this being said, this extended book review will present Matthew’s Philosophy of Childhood and how his thoughts can help us rethink how we view children and childhood.

Keywords

Philosophy; Children; Science; Teaching; Wonder

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