Sir, – As a primary schoolteacher, I would ask why confine philosophical teaching to second-level students? My sixth-class girls are constantly questioning and would embrace the expansion of philosophical thought. – Yours, etc,
CLARE BOURKE,
Fairview,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – Presenting schoolchildren with the boring "bearded cranks of yesteryear" (Patricia O'Riordan, November 1st) would not be philosophy. Philosophy, if not living, is worth little. We have been teaching this subject weekly to all pupils in John Scottus School since 1986. Philosophy questions everything – the attitudes, actions and beliefs of both ourselves and of others. The outcome of this is to take us closer to who we really are and to understand better the nature of the world in which we live. The proof that it works is in the feedback from past pupils who say how much philosophy has helped them in their later lives.
The key is to have it as a regular part of the school curriculum for all the primary and secondary years. Developing the simple but effective tools of reason, attention, stillness and inquiry are the key. Philosophy works equally well for children who come from faith-based or non-faith-based families. It is fascinating and instructive for all, beards or no beards! – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL TELFORD,
MARY TELFORD,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.