World Philosophy Day 2024

Book Giveaway

World Philosophy Day 2024 – Thursday 21st November – asks us to consider the theme ‘Philosophy for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future‘ and ‘bridging social gaps’.

World Philosophy Day was established by UNESCO to encourage philosophical conversations, particularly among children in schools. By celebrating World Philosophy Day each year, on the third Thursday of November, UNESCO underlines the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and for each individual.

In a world of divided opinion and wealth the road towards a more inclusive and sustainable future requires thoughtful conversations around themes such as responsibility, community and hope. By reflecting on these issues we also develop skills of thinking, speaking and listening, that foster respect, mutual understanding and cooperation.

For World Philosophy Day 2024 our Co-Directors Grace Lockrobin and Emma Swinn giving away two books they have been inspired by this year.

Both of these books were featured in their Keynote talk at the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain’s Conference back in March this year.

Tibaldeo’s book gives a wonderful, compelling and insightful history of the work done by Matthew Lipman and Ann Margaret Sharp to bring Philosophy for Children to the world. The story is both inspiring and challenging and reminded me why our work is so important.

Emma on Roberto Tibaldeo’s Matthew Lipman and Ann Margaret Sharp Philosophy for Children’s Educational Revolution.

Mohr Lone’s argues for the importance of listening, especially to children. And, in the spirit of listening, she includes the voices of young philosophers, to make this point. This book is a great reminder of what we might gain if we listen well. ‘The openness of a good listener depends on a willingness to re-examine one’s own opinions and, potentially, to have one’s self, one’s character, transformed by what one hears’

Grace on Jana Mohr Lone’s Seen and Not Heard, Why Children’s Voices Matter.

Both of these books are linked to the themes of inclusivity and sustainability – Lipman and Sharp wanted to give disadvantaged children an opportunity to thrive and develop the skills needed to be able to change their futures, and Mohr Lone’s book focuses on including children in meaningful conversations and listening to them as philosophers.

So how do you put yourself forward to win in our free prize draw?

Anyone who shares, replies or comments with the hashtag #thoughtful on the day on any of our social media platforms will be entered into the free prize draw.

Not on Social Media? Not a problem, simply tell us ‘why philosophy matters’ to you and email your answer to communications@sapere.org.uk. There’s a catch though! You must be willing for us to be able to share your thoughts, and you must use the subject line: Thoughtful.

We are on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, X and now Bluesky too.

What else to do on World Philosophy Day?

• Experience P4C
• Free themed resources with partner organisation, The Philosophy Foundation,
• Read our Social Impact Report for 2023-24
• Donate to our Wonder Wander Campaign which ends on World Philosophy Day: Thursday 21st November.