Matthew Lipman

Matthew Lipman

Matthew Lipman (August 24, 1922 - December 26 2010) was a philosopher, educator, and researcher on US logical pedagogy.Lipman was the initiator, the theoretical and the leader in the development of philosophy for children. His work aims to promote the widespread teaching of philosophy and an adaptation of the concept of the ability to think for himself. Lipman developed a theory and practice, inspired by the work of John Dewey, who becomes totally innovative: creation of a rational thought and creative workshops through a philosophical discussion (children or adults). The whole rests on manually ("narrative") philosophical novels and books ("tutorials"). His first philosophical novel, The discovery of Harry Stottlemeyer, for children 10 years shows the stages of children to reach formal logic.Much more than allowing children and young scientists increased academic skills, attention and ideal Lipman, through its method is to develop critical thinking, or reason, each individual ("reason" is understood here in the sense of the Enlightenment humanist, as the power of common sense that is opposed to the passions and obscurantism). This reason or reflective thought, guarantees freedom of thought (considered in itself) and therefore civil liberties that are expressed through democracy (where the common good is done through the exchange of ideas, respect and listening )