International Congress of Philosophy for Children 2009
"Creativity - Thinking - Philosophy"
from 15 - 18 October 2009 , in Graz/Austria
Creativity and thinking are at the centre of the international congress for children's philosophy. Creative, critical and social thinking and the ability to develop innovative solutions are fundamental competences that are of great importance for the personal development and well-being of every individual in society.
Critical, reflective thinking and creative problem-solving are crucial in human abilities and skills, in speech and behaviour, in all processes and in the application of knowledge in everyday life, in art, science, technology and society. It is therefore essential to start promoting these key competences in young children and to deepen them through lifelong learning.
Since creativity is a basic anthropological characteristic of human beings, but at the same time brings with it the essential self-renewal of societies, science and culture, the concepts of creativity and thinking require both openness and critical reflection.
What approaches, methods, strategies and opportunities does our education system offer? How can we contribute to the promotion of creativity and independent thinking at school? What is the relationship between individual and collective creativity? What contribution can philosophy make to the future of the knowledge society?
The Austrian Society for Philosophy with Children is organising its traditional congress with the aim of building a bridge to various scientific disciplines in addition to a philosophical discussion and thus making further knowledge bases explicit both for educational concepts and also for educational policy initiatives.
The aim is an exchange between the various philosophical approaches and theories in the context of today's world. Research and practice-orientated projects, including philosophising with children and young people, will be presented and examined in a new light.
In addition to lectures by renowned international experts on current and important topics, the congress offers an overview of the current state of research, pro-and-con discussions on exciting fundamental debates and a large number of project presentations. The aim of the congress is also to stimulate scientific discussion and personal dialogue. With the programme, the approximately 200 participants from 18 countries, including 24 speakers, can expect an eventful conference.
The topics covered by the congress include the following areas:
- Creativity and thinking
- Virtual worlds - creativity and imagination
- Lifelong learning
- Citizenship and democracy
- Transculturality and transdisciplinarity
- Philosophy and ethics at school
- Culture, integration and education
- Pluralistic dimensions of children's philosophy