An international study conducted on more than 600,000 students shows that philosophy helps teenagers to think more clearly, resist manipulation and be more empathetic. In Romania, however, this discipline is increasingly marginal, the high school hours being reduced to a minimum. The specialists warn: without the exercise of critical thinking, young people remain vulnerable to misinformation and toxic discourses.
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The huge benefits of philosophy for young
Analysis published in Journal of the American Philosophical Association It shows that students who have studied philosophy are distinguished by critical, logical and balanced thinking.
They develop the ability to evaluate the ideas objectively and to formulate solid arguments, which prepares them for complex situations and for participating in informed debates.
In addition, philosophy cultivates empathy and understanding of various perspectives. Adolescents learn to appreciate different points of view, express their ideas with clarity and practice a constructive dialogue. These qualities become crucial in an era dominated by fake news.
The study shows that philosophy teaches teenagers:
– to question the deeply rooted beliefs, to analyze the information and to issue informed judgments, instead of accepting things at first sight.
– develops the ability to think clearly, carefully and logically about complex problems and to evaluate new ideas and information.
– Adolescents learn to build well-founded arguments, defend their positions and solve abstract problems with more rigor.
– Philosophy improves the ability to express, helping adolescents formulate clear and concise ideas both in writing and speech.
– By involving philosophical and ethical dilemmas, adolescents develop empathy and the ability to understand and appreciate different prospects.
– train individuals to participate in philosophical dialogues and listen to
A disappearance discipline in Romania
With all these demonstrated benefits, philosophy loses land in the Romanian education system. The hours were reduced “dramatically”, warns Ciprian Mihali, professor at Babeș-Bolyai University in an interview for school9. He points out that the lack of tradition to valorize critical thinking and personal autonomy makes philosophy marginalized.
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