[Bups-l] Petition: Make Philosophy/Critical Thinking central to the British educational system

[Edward Grefenstette]

Fellow BUPS member Shiro Ota is organising a petition, via Number  
10's online petition service (which pledges to forward all petitions  
with over 100 confirmed signatories to the relevant authority), to  
promote the study of philosophy/critical thinking in schools more  
proactively.

It reads: "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to make  
Philosophy and critical thinking a/the central part of the  
educational system (from early infancy onwards) alongside Maths,  
English and Science in order to both raise the abilities of students  
(as has been demonstrated, see more details) and to aid in solving  
many issues including those that are currently referred to as  
pertaining to 'tolerance'.

It has been demonstrated that the teaching of Philosophy can raise  
the academic results of children (Buranda State School Showcase 2003  
Submission Form). As well as this, the ability to critically analyse  
situations and claims protects one from brainwashing, undue appeal to  
authority and argumentative fallacy. For these reasons, and their  
positive consequences, let us move Philosophy and critical thinking  
into the centre of British education.

It has been demonstrated that the teaching of Philosophy can raise  
the academic results of children (Buranda State School Showcase 2003  
Submission Form). As well as this, the ability to critically analyse  
situations and claims protects one from brainwashing, undue appeal to  
authority and argumentative fallacy. For these reasons, and their  
positive consequences, let us move Philosophy and critical thinking  
into the centre of British education."

If you agree with the issue and would like to add your signature to  
the list, please follow the following link: http:// 
petitions.pm.gov.uk/Philosophy-Edu/

Cheers,
Edward.