World of Philosophy for Children
Since 1974 the IAPC and its Affiliate Centers have been largely responsible for the proliferation of Philosophy for Children programs in schools and other settings around the world.
Philosophy for Children Around the World
There are countless places around the world where children and adults engage in philosophical inquiry together—a practice at least as old as Socrates. Since 1974 the IAPC at Montclair State University and its Affiliate Centers have been largely responsible for the proliferation of Philosophy for Children (P4C) programs in schools and other settings around the world. However, today there are numerous approaches to this work, many of which are not derived from the work of the IAPC.
IAPC Fellows and Affiliate Centers
Numerous individuals around the world are formally affiliated with the IAPC as a result of having worked in professional development programs offered by the IAPC and of collaborating with us in one or more of the following kinds of work:
- Translation and publication of IAPC Curriculum
- Engagement with school-age children in philosophical inquiry
- Preparation of schoolteachers to facilitate philosophical inquiry with students
- Empirical and theoretical research in Philosophy for Children
- Development and testing of new curriculum in Philosophy for Children
Many of these IAPC Fellows have created centers and other organizations that support their work in Philosophy for Children and some of these organizations have formed regional and national associations. Though autonomous from the IAPC and one another, this global Philosophy for Children community is an important source of mutual enrichment.
Other K-12 Philosophy Sites
Numerous organizations and individuals not formally affiliated with the IAPC are similarly engaged in bringing philosophy to children and adolescents, through a variety of approaches. The IAPC welcomes this diversity and encourages cooperation among colleagues practicing different approaches.
Promotional Organizations
International Community of Philosophical Inquiry with Children (ICPIC)
A global network founded in 1985 connecting practitioners, researchers, and educators engaged in philosophical inquiry with children. Membership spans over 63 countries and 35 international organizations.
American Philosophical Association Committee on Pre-College Instruction in Philosophy
The APA committee that monitors and advances pre-college philosophy in the U.S. and around the world, advocating for philosophy at the K–12 level through its three divisional meetings each year.
Federation of Asia-Pacific Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA)
A professional non-profit organization promoting philosophy in schools and representing the interests of affiliated associations across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Mediterranean Association for Philosophy with Children (MAPwC)
A regional association providing a framework for researchers and practitioners engaged in philosophy with children across Mediterranean countries, with a focus on conferences, professional development, and collaborative research.
North American Association of Community of Inquiry (NAACI)
A North American organization supporting the Community of Philosophical Inquiry as the pedagogical foundation of Philosophy for Children, connecting practitioners across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Philosophy with Children and Youth Network for Asia and the Pacific (PCYNAP)
Founded in 2011 by philosophers and teachers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond who are interested in engaging children in philosophical inquiry. PCYNAP
PLATO: Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization
A U.S.-based nonprofit serving thousands of students, teachers, and community members nationally and internationally, fostering analytic reasoning skills, self-confidence, and understanding of diverse viewpoints. A member of the UNESCO Chair network on philosophy with children.
SOPHIA: the European Foundation for the Advancement of Doing Philosophy with Children
The European Foundation for the Advancement of Doing Philosophy with Children, bringing together different practices across Europe to help teachers and practitioners learn and develop from and with one another.