Are numbers real? Can trees think? Who am I?
PLATO
Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization
PLATO nurtures young people’s curiosity, critical thinking, and desire to explore big questions, through philosophy and ethics programs for students, educators, and families.
WHY PLATO?
Children ask big philosophical questions – Are numbers real? Can dogs think? But often their thoughts and questions are not taken seriously.
PLATO creates opportunities for young people to explore, in rigorous and meaningful conversations, life’s deeper questions – nurturing their curiosity and helping them to learn to think clearly and reason well.
We offer an array of in-person and online programs, as well as a wealth of open-access resources for use in schools and homes, serving thousands of students, teachers, families, and community members nationally and internationally.
PLATO’s mission is based on the conviction that every child’s voice matters, and that philosophy helps young people to express their own ideas and questions confidently and well.
Learn moreIntroductory Online Workshop
Winter and Spring Events for Educators
Wondering Aloud Blog
PLATO’s Philosophy Toolkit is one of the most extensive collections in the world of free resources for philosophy sessions in schools, at home, during community events, and beyond!
There are over 250 lesson plans for leading philosophical discussions with children and youth, including activities and exercises, games, and literature discussion plans, with ideas for philosophical inqury in many school subjects as well as ethics, philosophy of science, epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, philosophy of education, and much more!
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