Children as Philosophers
I have long been trying to decide where the natural philosophy of Children, or perhaps my children, falls. I am certain they are not strict Nihilists, Rationalists or Empiricists, which I find notable. I do pick up some Descartes from the eldest, but I probably see more Existentialism from them than any other single school of thought. Some Platonic concepts show up too. For example, children’s ability to use experience with, say, trees to learn to identify other types of trees, and distinguish them from shrubs reminds me strongly of Plato’s World of Forms, or at least a parallel psychological construct.
I am very interested in input on this topic, so please let me know what you think.
3. May 2008 at 21:54
There are more things in Heaven and Earth, my dear Harris, than are even dreamt of in your philosophy.
8. May 2008 at 12:57
I think Natalie can generally be described as a Hedonist–definitely driven by the seeking of pleasure (and, to a degree, the avoidance of pain). Someday I’m sure that will become more complex, but for the moment it’s all about the NOW.
8. May 2008 at 15:13
Yes, I suppose under about a year and a half, there isn’t anything but hedonism. Once she got to 3 and 4, things changed a lot for S. The explorative self-directed learning leads to some interesting ideas.
24. May 2008 at 15:46
i can’t comment, but my husband should have something to contribute. ask him or something i think it could be an interesting discussion.
12. July 2008 at 07:16
[...] intervening time between this and my previous post on Children as Philosophers has presented me with my most complete thinking on the subject to [...]