Brazil's military dictatorship seemed to have understood philosophy’s potential to create engaged citizens, so it eliminated philosophy from high schools. But, now that the dictatorship is gone, a new law mandates philosophy instruction in all Brazilian high schools. Can it teach students to question and challenge the foundations of society itself?

b_b: ‘Teaching philosophy to students who can hardly read and write,’ Giannotti said, ‘is sad foolishness.’

I disagree. Maybe they aren't going to have a deep discussion about Das Kapital or something, but there are a lot of philosophical principles that can be taught in pretty simple terms. I wish philosophy was required in high schools and colleges here in the US. I think there are very few other subjects that can get provoke as much discussion and thought. The huge caveat here, however, is that to teach good philosophy requires a good (well read, especially) instructor, which, I'm afraid, is probably not available in many high schools.

posted 4464 days ago