International Conference 2009

from 15 - 18 October 2009 , in Graz/Austria.

Creativity and thinking are the focus of the International Congress for Philosophy of Children. Creative, critical and social thinking and the ability to develop innovative approaches to solutions are fundamental competencies that are of great importance for personal development and for the well-being of each individual in society.

Critical, reflective thinking and creative problem solving are crucial in human abilities and skills, in speech and action, in all processes and in the application of knowledge in everyday life, in art, science, technology and society. It is therefore imperative to start fostering these key competencies 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 or of science and culture, the conceptual pair of creativity and thinking requires both openness and critical reflection.

What approaches, methods, strategies and possibilities does our educational system offer? How can we contribute to the promotion of creativity and independent thinking already 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 of Children organizes its already traditional congress with the aim of building a bridge to various scientific disciplines in addition to a philosophical debate, thus making explicit further knowledge bases both for educational concepts and, beyond that, for educational policy initiatives.

The goal is an exchange between the various philosophical approaches and theories in the context of today's world. Research and practice-oriented projects, including philosophizing with children and young people, will be presented and re-examined.

The congress offers lectures by renowned international experts on current and important topics, an overview of the current state of research, pro-and-con discussions on exciting fundamental debates, and a large number of project presentations. The congress also aims to stimulate scientific discussion and personal exchange. With the program, the approximately 200 participants from 18 countries, including 24 speakers, can expect an eventful conference.

The topics of 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 in schools
• Culture, Integration and Education
• Pluralistic dimensions of children's philosophy