Philosophy in schools?

Sir, – I agree entirely with Michael and Mary Telford that philosophy should be part of the school curriculum for all the primary and secondary years (November 4th). As we know, young children are natural philosophers and are full of wonder about the world. Why not harness this sense of wonder and give them some of the tools they need to satisfy their curiosity? There has never been a time when being able to think for oneself has been more important. So, let's help our children to do just that. Otherwise, there is a real danger that the next generation will be lost in a world of increasing relativism, moral turpitude and meaninglessness. Now, there's a cheery thought! – Yours, etc,

NEIL FORSYTH,

Adamstown,

Co Dublin.

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Sir, – When I was at school in CBS Synge Street in Dublin from 1939 to 1947, we were taught some of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas based on Aristotle. The curriculum stopped sharply before Occam’s Razor. A close shave. – Yours, etc,

EAMONN ROTHERY,

Clontarf,

Dublin 3.

Sir, –Not only will it possibly (or probably) cause most parents, carers and guardians to visit or revisit what they themselves actually think, or don’t think, but they may find themselves deconstructing, then dethinking, before unthinking, some or much of that. Mealtimes could become a lot more animated, and homework could take centuries, methinks. – Yours, etc,

MICHELE SAVAGE,

Dublin 12.