International Conference of Philosophy for Children 2011

"Childhood and Democracy"

from 20 - 23 October 2011 in Graz/Austria

Ann Margaret Sharp and Matthew Lipman - In Memoriam

We live in an age of ever accelerating change and inexorable globalization. The world has become small and intercultural contact ubiquitous. There is no doubt that the so-called modern societies are undergoing tremendous upheavals. This is particularly evident from a socio-ethical point of view. This leads to numerous questions, such as those about the possibilities of understanding, evaluating and criticizing one's own and other cultures, but also those about living conditions, distributive justice, political socialization and the validity of beliefs, standards and practices.

At what stage of childhood should ethical systems with the democratic principles be applied in order to optimally promote the autonomous development of childhood in the network of our knowledge society?

In recent decades, children's philosophy has laid significant foundations for beginning the philosophical-pedagogical process in early childhood. In this process, the first major steps of children towards the independent development of their personality as well as towards the ability to solve problems and self-criticism, towards the ability to deal with conflicts and empathy, towards the development of a differentiated perception are supported.

This year's congress will focus on two main points:

1. When does one use democratic principles to optimally promote autonomous childhood development? How do children and adolescents learn to live democracy ?
2. What models can be differentiated to develop childhood's degrees of freedom by merging ethical systems with basic democratic categories? How to promote reflective competences, to increase the understanding of rationality and to improve individual as well as collective degrees of freedom in connection with democracy?

This congress will help to advance to repositioning, as well as to develop a qualitative improvement of curricular models. Innovative philosophical approaches to childhood will be included and explored. Renowned international experts from various disciplines and fields will provide an overview of the current state of research on this year's topic. The aim of the congress is to stimulate scientific discussion and personal exchange through lectures, exciting policy debates and project presentations.

The program promises an eventful conference for the approximately 200 participants from 18 countries, including 24 speakers.

The topics of the congress include the following areas:

• Understanding democracy
• Intercultural dialogue
• New media - new forms of democracy
• Global Awareness
• Community of Inquiry
• Philosophy of human rights
• Development of democratic learning
• Democracy as a way of life