Ethics for the Very Young

Erik Kenyon PhD is author of Augustine and the Dialogue (Cambridge 2018) which explores the intersection of literary form and philosophy of education in Augustine’s earliest works. He has taught at Rollins College since 2012 and partnered with 5 Orlando-area schools through Philosophy for Children courses. Diane Doyle MA has worked in early childhood for 30 years always with an emphasis on social emotional development, inclusive early educational experiences and Positive Behavior Supports with a focus on art as the vehicle for children’s expression of understanding and documentation in the Reggio Emilia tradition.Sharon Carnahan PhD is an applied developmental psychologist who studies young children and their caregiving environments. She is a professor of psychology and has served Rollins College and the Hume House Child Development and Student Research Center since 1992.

Kenyon, Doyle and Carnahan are pioneers in introducing young children to philosophy. Their book is an extremely valuable resource for faculty interested in teaching college level philosophy courses designed to enable their students to work in the classroom with youngsters. It is brimming with great ideas to spark discussion about the value and practice of philosophy for children. Their clear lesson plans serve both as blueprints and catalysts for innovative ways of engaging the very young in philosophical inquiry. Highly recommend as a pedagogical resource for college instructors and as a tool for deepening undergraduates’ appreciation of philosophical discourse and method.

• Series PageForewordPart I: Integrating Philosophy into Early EducationChapter 1 – Origin of the Project & AcknowledgementsChapter 2 – A Case for Integrating Philosophy into Early EducationChapter 3 – Theory into Practice: Bringing Philosophy into Early EducationPart II: Teaching Ancient EthicsChapter 4 – Lesson 1 – CharacterChapter 5 – Lesson 2 – BraveryChapter 6 – Lesson 3 – Moderation & Self-ControlChapter 7 – Lesson 4 – FriendshipPart III: Teaching Modern EthicsChapter 8 – Lesson 5 – Pleasure & the Greater GoodChapter 9 – Lesson 6 – Rules & RespectChapter 10 – Lesson 7 – CarePostscript: “Education as Growth”Appendix: Overview of LessonsBibliography