Why Children Make Great Philosophers: An Interview with Scott Hershovitz

Children have an innate curiosity about the world around them. They ask profound questions, challenge assumptions, and engage in thought experiments with boundless imagination. Despite their age and limited life experiences, children possess a unique perspective that often leads them to explore philosophical concepts with surprising depth. To shed light on this intriguing aspect of childhood, we sat down with renowned philosopher and educator Scott Hershovitz to discuss why children make great philosophers and the insights we can gain from their inquiries.

Scott Hershovitz: A Philosopher's View on Children's Philosophical Abilities

Scott Hershovitz, a professor of law and philosophy, has extensively studied the intersection of childhood cognition and philosophical inquiry. His research highlights how children's minds are naturally predisposed to ponder complex philosophical ideas. "Children possess a unique blend of curiosity, imagination, and open-mindedness, which makes them excellent philosophers," says Hershovitz. He emphasizes that they have not yet been confined by rigid societal norms and are unafraid to challenge established beliefs, a trait crucial to philosophical exploration.

Hershovitz notes that young children exhibit a remarkable sense of wonder about the world. Everything is new and unfamiliar to them, which fuels their innate curiosity. They eagerly ask questions about the fundamental aspects of reality, such as the origins of life, the nature of time, and the meaning of existence. Their unquenchable thirst for knowledge prompts them to engage in philosophical thought experiments, contemplating the universe's most profound mysteries.

Unconstrained Imagination

Philosophy often requires a willingness to entertain hypothetical scenarios and explore alternative realities. Children excel in this realm due to their vivid imagination, which allows them to envision worlds beyond their immediate experience. They readily embrace imaginative play, create fictional narratives, and explore fantastical scenarios, all of which contribute to their philosophical prowess.

As adults, our minds are often influenced and constrained by cultural norms and societal expectations. Children, however, are not burdened by these preconceptions. Their innocence and open-mindedness allow them to question accepted wisdom and explore philosophical inquiries without being restricted by conventional boundaries. This unfiltered approach often leads to innovative and unexpected philosophical insights.

Asking Fundamental Questions

Children are known for asking relentless "why" questions, often to the exasperation of parents and teachers. Hershovitz views this incessant curiosity as a key characteristic of great philosophers. He explains, "Asking 'why' is the foundation of philosophical inquiry. It reflects a child's natural inclination to seek deeper meaning and understand the underlying principles of the world."

Children are not afraid to challenge authority figures or accepted truths. Their uninhibited questioning of the status quo drives them to critically examine assumptions that adults might take for granted. In doing so, children may inadvertently question entrenched beliefs and offer fresh perspectives on long-standing philosophical dilemmas.

Implications for Education

Recognizing and nurturing the philosophical potential of children can have profound implications for education. Hershovitz advocates incorporating philosophical discussions into the curriculum from an early age. He believes that such discussions can enhance critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and empathy in students.

Philosophy encourages the development of critical thinking skills. By engaging children in philosophical conversations, educators can teach them to analyze arguments, identify logical fallacies, and evaluate evidence. These skills are not only crucial for philosophical inquiry but also valuable in various aspects of life.