Freedom and the Urge to Think in Philosophy with Children

This conceptual paper was invited by leading authority on gifted and talented education Dr Barry Hymer. The special issue includes contributions from international figures in the field of philosophy with children. The paper examines the works of A.S. Neill and J. Krishnamurti, founders of schools that value freedom highly, as a necessary condition for learning and as a social outcome of education. Drawing on pupils’ and teachers’ accounts of experiences of philosophical enquiry, the paper argues that the freedom offered in philosophy with children strengthens pupil voice, transforming children into independent thinkers and learners. It draws on the author’s long-term theoretical, professional and practical involvement in the field. The paper concludes that, when adopted as an authentic critical pedagogy rather than an instrumental means to other ends, philosophy with children contributes to democratisation of schools.