Socrates For Kids
by
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INTRODUCTION
The ancient philosopher Socrates taught that the unexamined life is not worth living. It was in that spirit that Socrates for Kids was conceived. Philosophy is the least intimidating endeavor I know - it strives simply to make the world more intelligible by examining it, as though for the first time, through the eyes of a child.
Socrates for Kids is a short book of entertaining, easy to understand children's stories that incorporate classical and current philosophical themes. Each story features situations highlighting one or more issues in ethics (issues relating to justice, human rights, compassion, friendship, and fairness); epistemology (issues relating to how we know what we know); metaphysics (deals with the mysteries of the universe); political philosophy (Why do we need government? What is its function?), and aesthetics (What is art? Why do we need it? How do we know when something is beautiful?). Each story employs loving relationships to emphasize the importance of strong values and the development of tolerance and social inclusiveness.
Additionally, each story is followed by relevant notes to assist parents in multi-tiered explanations and analyses. Or they may simply be shared, especially with the youngest children, as sweet and entertaining fables. Questions geared to various age levels are also included. I had a lot of fun writing these stories and I hope you and your children enjoy them as well.
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Socrates for Kids
Ideas embodied in each story are as follows:
"The Dandelion Dilemma" is an allegorical tale of a little girl who is confronted squarely with an incident involving group discrimination.
"The Special Painting" is the story of a group of children who are taken on their first trip to a museum where they are exposed to the joys and puzzlement associated with the aesthetic experience.
"Saving Snoozy Snowflake" is a story that recognizes the prevailing thirst for the teaching of philosophical values to children. This particular story deals with the meaning of friendship.
"The Case of the Disappearing Gloves" is the story of a little girl and her grandmother who discover why things can remain the same despite the vagaries of an ever-changing world.
"The Schoolhouse Mouse" is the improbable story of a little mouse that wishes to go to school. It is meant to teach children about tolerance and social change.
"The Mysterious Camera" recalls the story of a boy and his beloved grandfather who capture their mutual love through the vehicle of photography.
About the Author
Sage Essman holds a Ph.D. degree in philosophy and has concentrated her interests in the area of ethics and values. She had taught at several colleges and universities over a period of many years including Long Island University and Queens College of the City University of New York and has written extensively in the field. She has frequently lectured on the importance of the introduction of ethics and values in early childhood education. Dr. Essman and her husband live on Long Island, N. Y.