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Henry Maldonado

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What are the arguments for and against philosophy in high school?

Philosophy is seen as a dead science. However, how can we ignore the prevalence of philosophy in history. Whether it be the philosophy of science, language, or history, there has always been philosophical inquiry except near the middle of the twentieth century.

Should philosophy be taught at the high school level? Should there be a mandatory or elective class for philosophy? What are the merits of philosophy in High School? What are the draw back of teaching philosophy in high school?

Topics: education philosophy
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    Nicole Small

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    Aug 20 2012: There is a lot of hidden talent that isn't being tapped or even discovered within the school system and as a result, certain students are dismissed with the belief that they are simply "challenged." Most kids who don't "fit in" fall into that category because they think differently. Offering Philosophy could have a very positive outcome in that respect. On the other hand, it's possible that some kids could be labeled as a "possible threat" based on the themes they choose, etc. This could lead to some profiling problems and become dangerous for the teens involved. For example: if a kid writes about a violent end to civilization, does that mean that he/she wants to help it happen or see it happen--or maybe it's just a fear or paranoia about it? If they're excited about it, there's always the possibility that they're searching for a way to prove they can be heroes. As with most good ideas; in the wrong hands they can do just as much harm.

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