Thinking Children: The Concept of 'Child' from a Philosophical Perspective

Thinking Children investigates the concept of ‘child' from a philosophical perspective. Its aim is to come to an acceptable definition of ‘child', and it is anticipated that such a definition will impact on how those seen as children are perceived in society.The author first explores the notions of personhood, self and identity, before reflecting on historical perspectives on childhood and the inclusion of children as active, participative, political and philosophical agents within society today.Children and adults are placed differently in society, and through coming to an acceptable definition of ‘child', this book seeks to determine whether such differential status is merited. Thinking Children proposes that we might consider children as beings and not becomings, and empower them to be active and participative citizens, since they are able and adept reasoners. This book will be of interest to all students on Childhood Studies and Education Studies courses, as well as lecturers and researchers in the field.

Asks the question, what is this thing that is 'child'.

Thinking Children investigates the concept of ‘child' from a philosophical perspective. Its aim is to come to an acceptable definition of ‘child', and it is anticipated that such a definition will impact on how those seen as children are perceived in society.

The author first explores the notions of personhood, self and identity, before reflecting on historical perspectives on childhood and the inclusion of children as active, participative, political and philosophical agents within society today.

Children and adults are placed differently in society, and through coming to an acceptable definition of ‘child', this book seeks to determine whether such differential status is merited. Thinking Children proposes that we might consider children as beings and not becomings, and empower them to be active and participative citizens, since they are able and adept reasoners.

 

This book will be of interest to all students on Childhood Studies and Education Studies courses, as well as lecturers and researchers in the field.

Thinking Children investigates the concept of ‘child' from a philosophical perspective. Its aim is to come to an acceptable definition of ‘child', and it is anticipated that such a definition will impact on how those seen as children are perceived in society.

The author first explores the notions of personhood, self and identity, before reflecting on historical perspectives on childhood and the inclusion of children as active, participative, political and philosophical agents within society today.

Children and adults are placed differently in society, and through coming to an acceptable definition of ‘child', this book seeks to determine whether such differential status is merited. Thinking Children proposes that we might consider children as beings and not becomings, and empower them to be active and participative citizens, since they are able and adept reasoners.

 

This book will be of interest to all students on Childhood Studies and Education Studies courses, as well as lecturers and researchers in the field.

AcknowledgementsIntroduction1 The Morality of PersonhoodI is not a HippoPersonsThe Person RoleMoral CodesLosing PersonhoodConclusions2 From the Self Comes IThe SelfThe Moral SelfThe Continuous SelfIdentityConclusions3 From Where Did Children Come?A New NotionEarly ChildrenMedieval ChildrenA Class ApartRomantic ChildrenConclusions4 The Reasoning ChildChildren ThinkingThoughtful ChildrenKnowing ChildrenChild's PlayConclusions5 Are Children Persons?The Way to PersonhoodCompliant ChildrenMoral ChildrenContinuous ChildrenConclusions6 The Citizen in CommunityThe Citizen RoleSocial CitizensPolitical CitizensMoral CitizensActing CitizensReciprocal CitizensConclusions7 Community of Philosophical Inquiry: A Tool for EmpowermentReasoning CitizensCommunity of Philosophical InquiryPhilosophical CitizensFacilitating CitizenshipConclusions8 Children as BeingsChild CitizensAcceptable ChildrenControlling ChildrenThe Child RoleThe Child with RightsChild PowerFuture CitizensPhilosophical ChildrenEqual PersonsDefining ChildConclusionsConclusionBibliography