South African Journal of Childhood Education 1(2):a89 Philosophy for children in South African schools : its role for citizens-in-waiting
Type
E-Journal
ISSN
2223-7682
Category
ECCE, Foundation, Intermediate, Senior
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Publication Year
2011
Publisher
Aosis OpenJournals, Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
URL
[ private ]
Pages
16 p.
Subject
Early childhood education, Primary education, Secondary education, Philosophy for children, Democracy, Citizenship, Deliberation, South Africa
Tags
Abstract
Historically, the concept ‘child’ has a Lockean (1960) connotation, as empty slates, newborn infants are considered weak and helpless until the improvement of growth and age has removed this deficient state of childhood. In modern societies, including South Africa, children are still viewed as citizens-in-waiting, and as citizens who need to be inducted into their future role. This deficit model of childhood is reflected in the construction of democratic citizenship education in post-apartheid South Africa. In this article, we present a theoretical justification for Philosophy for Children (P4C) as an avenue to individual enlightenment i.e., education that entails the development of a child’s mind, of rationality or the capacity to think. In the light of a Philosophy for Children agenda as an educational pedagogy, we argue that doing philosophy with children starting from an early age has a special significance in education for democratic citizenship in post-apartheid South Africa.
Description
Article
Number of Copies
1
Library | Accession No | Call No | Copy No | Edition | Location | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main | 693 | 1 | Yes |