What is P4C?

Philosophy for Children (P4C) was created by American Professor Matthew Lipman in the late 1960’s, and its aim was to encourage children to be more reasonable, reflective and considerate.  It is a combination of philosophical content in the form of concepts and philosophical techniques with the use of enquiries.

A typical session involves pupils creating a Community of Enquiry.  This session can be adapted to suit the skills focus of the lesson or the age and ability of the children. 

 

What does a P4C lesson look like?

The children sit in a circle to aid good listening and equal involvement. They think about the rules and guidelines for a successful enquiry and possibly focus on particular skills needed.

The Stimulus—SHARE

The children can share a story, look at a picture, a poem, listen to a piece of music, or any starting point that will stimulate thoughts and discussion.

Generating a philosophical question—ASK

After the children have had time to investigate the stimuli individually, with a partner and as a class, they then have to generate a question.  Children are encouraged to develop their skills at developing a philosophical question. They learn to understand which type of questions generate a good enquiry and which provide a very closed line of enquiry. 

Deciding on a line of enquiry— EXPLORE AND PICK

After generating their questions, they then have to choose which question they want to discuss. The children vote for the line of enquiry they wish to develop.

Dialogue—REFINE

Using the skills of enquiry, the children then discuss the question. They listen to each other, share ideas, agree or disagree, build upon each others’ ideas and all have the chance to contribute.  The discussion that children have is not limited. The enquiry follows its own path guided by the children’s thoughts and ideas. Children can agree and disagree but should always give a reason for their point of view.

Completing the enquiry—EVALUATE

The session ends with the pupils or the facilitator recapping the key discussion of the lesson and pupils reviewing the 4Cs of thinking. Through discussion, the focus of the next P4C session is decided upon. 

 

4Cs of Thinking

Throughout school, you will have noticed 4 Owl characters used to describe the 4Cs of Thinking:

· Collaborative

· Caring

· Creative

· Critical