A Celebration of Philosophical Thinking

Philosophy Café introductory speech

by Dr. Jose Gabriel Maldonado-Rivera
Principal and Associate Scientist, Columbia Secondary School
 
School curricula are full of facts and knowledge and skills of often questionable value. For knowledge to be meaningful it must affect the way students think, make decisions, behave and act – that is it must affect both their minds and lives in profound and meaningful ways.
 
At Columbia Secondary we strive to teach our students the art and skill of thinking deeply not just because there is beauty and special insight in this, but because it empowers kids to lead a better and more meaningful life. The goal is to promote not just rational, logical and scientific reasoning but also the capacity to make subtle aesthetic judgments and to think thoroughly when making moral and ethical decisions. Philosophy in its purest sense is about asking the right kinds of questions, and about exploring the many dimensions of a problem or question. It is also about having a basis for making good decisions in life – decisions that lead to a good life – a life filled with meaning and purpose, a life with the power of knowledge and reason.
 
In Philosophy students learn the art of argument and inquiry – they learn to defend claims with reasons and evidence – they learn that there are important differences between a mere opinion and positions that are defendable in the light of competing reasons and evidence. We deal with deep questions of profound significance. Questions with no easy answers, questions such as….
 
What is the purpose and meaning of life?
What must I do to lead a good life?
How can I know the truth?
What theories and ideas should I believe in?
What is fair?
How can I argue effectively?
Am I responsible for the well being of others?
What is a good question?
What must I do to be a good and ethical person?
What is the meaning of love?
How can I judge whether something is beautiful?
How can I make decisions about important matters in my life?
What values should I hold and how do I judge them in relation to other values?
 
Few middle schools programs provide student with the opportunity to grapple and struggle with such questions. At CSS we think this is an essential part of a liberal arts and science education… Indeed our Philosophy program is unique in the nation: it is one of a handful of programs that begin in 6th grade and extend on to the 12th grade. Seven years of philosophy – imagine what effects this will have on our students…CSS is blessed to have two experts in the field; Dr. Paul Thomson and Dr. Deanna Kuhn who have published textbooks and done research in the area of philosophy for children for several decades…
 
Today we are proud to present to you a potpourri of products from our philosophy courses – essays, a hip hop song explaining philosophy, a short play, and 4 debates and showdowns. Enjoy the showcase of student work being presented here today. Also we hope you enjoy our student Philo Journal. Join us in this celebration of philosophy!