Plans to extend the study of philosophy in secondary schools are being spearheaded by St Andrews University. The subject is available in around 90 secondaries in Scotland, but is a recent addition to the Higher syllabus.
The university’s philosophy department recently brought together 130 S5-6 pupils and 20 teachers to expand their knowledge of the subject, in what it believes is the largest philosophy outreach event of its kind.
Lisa Jones, a teaching fellow at the university and director of outreach, said more and more schools were now being attracted to philosophy.
“Exposure to philosophical questions and training in philosophical methods can equip students with important and highly transferrable skills, such as the ability to think critically and analytically, to reflect on complex concepts and to articulate arguments or claims clearly”.
