Very welcome innovations - Philosophy in our schools

The plan by Jan O’Sullivan, the education minister, to teach philosophy to junior cycle students and offer courses on politics and society for senior cycle students is very welcome.

In a society that seems so hidebound by inherited views, convention, and often unthinking conservatism, the possibility these innovations might foster more independent thinking and assessment must be welcomed. Opening these doors might, in time, encourage a renewed commitment to public life and a more demanding civic morality.

Ms O’Sullivan suggests that studying philosophy will make “a significant contribution to giving students the tools to critically engage in an informed manner with the world around them” and “give students an opportunity to explore the concepts and ideas of philosophy in the 21st century”. This may not be the panacea for all this society’s ills, but it is surely reasonable to hope that if we better understand the world around us, that we would be less tolerant of views and peer pressures, practices and privileges that depend on group think and fear for their authority and position in society.