Description
Book SynopsisIn a series of exquisite examples, Matthews demonstrates that children have a capacity for puzzlement and mental play that leads them to tackle many of the classic problems of knowledge, value and existence that have traditionally formed the core of philosophical thought.
Trade ReviewThis is a truly delightful little book, to be savoured by anyone with an interest in either philosophy or children. Clearly, precisely, entertainingly, Gareth Matthews reminds us of some simple, important, yet half-forgotten truths about them both. -- Don Locke * Times Literary Supplement *
A high-spirited original: Matthews shows how young children’s questions can reflect a philosophical orientation that experts don’t give them credit for, and he uses beguiling material to make his case… Fresh and playful, this is a first-rate key to important, untrampled territory. * Kirkus Reviews *
Matthews’ delightfully instructive accounts tell something important about philosophy and children: both are wonderful. And so is the book. * Library Journal *
What a unique and remarkable achievement! Gareth Matthews, an exceptionally able philosopher, has somehow managed to attune himself to the philosophical wave-lengths of children’s conversations. He is marvelously sensitive to the metaphysical and epistemological implications of children’s remarks, and is equally adept at showing us how children wonder at the enigmas of existence… Matthews amply documents his case by citations of children’s own conversations. It is a delight to find such a splendid book. -- Professor Matthew Lipman, Director, Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children
Table of Contents1. Puzzlement 2. Play 3. Reasoning 4. Piaget 5. Stories 6. Fantasy 7. Anxiety 8. Naivete 9. Dialogues Notes Index
