Why PLATO?

OUR MISSION

Children ask big philosophical questions: Are dreams real? Do animals have feelings? Why do bad things happen? But often their thoughts and questions are not taken seriously.

PLATO’s mission is to nurture young people’s curiosity, critical thinking, and desire to explore big questions, through philosophy and ethics programs for students, educators, and families.

Our innovative work serves thousands of students, teachers, and community members nationally and internationally, fostering analytic reasoning skills, self-confidence, and understanding of diverse viewpoints. We offer:

  • K-12 classes that help young people discuss their questions about such topics as friendship, justice, and time.
  • Online programs for teachers about how to include philosophy in math, science, art, and other subjects.
  • Support for families to inspire deeper conversations at home.

We believe that every child’s voice matters and every student deserves the opportunity to engage in meaningful philosophical conversations. Offering philosophy to young people helps them learn to express their own ideas and ask their own questions confidently and clearly.

Missing from many students’ school experiences is the joy of learning. At the core of our work is a desire to help young people find their way to deep engagement in and commitment to their own learning. The opportunity to explore the big questions that matter to them can be transformative for students. We consistently observe and hear from teachers how previously disengaged students become engaged and animated during philosophy sessions.

In 2023, PLATO was awarded a national award for excellence and innovation.

Our vision: A future in which all young people confidently ask questions, express well-reasoned views, and welcome the perspectives of others.

Wonder and Curiosity

We are born curious. Children wonder if dreams are real, where the sky ends, why we die. We don’t think of these questions as philosophical, but they are.

  • Six-year-olds ask, “Is it fair that she got three pieces of candy and I only got one?” 
  • Philosophers ask, “What is fairness?” 

Philosophy doesn’t happen only in colleges and universities; it is alive within all of us, beginning early in our lives.

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that does not require philosophy in school, even in high school. As a result, many educators, students, and parents are not aware of its value. 
 
Conversations about their deeper questions are important for young people because they foster reasoned reflection. Philosophy sessions create an open environment for examining difficult topics thoughtfully and civilly.
Philosophy is Practical – and Relevant

Philosophy teaches us to:

  • Strengthen analytic reasoning skills
  • Sharpen writing, listening, and problem-solving abilities
  • Question our assumptions
  • Critically evaluate information and beliefs
  • Appreciate complexity 
  • Develop confidence and skill in expressing our views
  • Understand that there are many ways to see the world.  

In classrooms that engage in “communities of philosophical inquiry,” teachers and students inquire together. Every student’s voice is valued. Students generate their own questions about issues relevant to their lives and learn to give good reasons for their beliefs. They come to realize that they are engaged in a conversation that has been going on for thousands of years.

Young people find these discussions challenging and compelling. Because philosophical questions do not have settled answers, there is no pressure to find that “one right answer.” No one has all the answers – and sometimes, reaching an answer isn’t as important as asking the right questions. 

All students should have the opportunity to cultivate philosophical habits of mind, which nurture lifelong learning and encourage us to become more thoughtful friends, neighbors, and citizens, better able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

PLATO’S CORE VALUES

Community        Respect        Equity        Inclusivity        Openness        Humility        Curiosity        Playfulness


We are committed to creating a community in which everyone feels welcome and experiences a sense of belonging. We respect the dignity, autonomy, and worth of all people of all ages.

We strive for equity.  Recognizing the importance of making our world more inclusive, we are dedicated to ensuring that all who wish to participate in our programs can do so.  

We cultivate openness, embracing creative and thoughtful new ideas; we value humility, realizing how much we can learn by listening to others.

Curiosity is at the core of our work: we wonder and ask questions throughout our lives. This work is serious, but we also value playfulness, celebrating the joy of all we discover by inquiring with others.  

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
“I learned about ways to engage my own beliefs and really think about why I had those ideas, what else did I believe in or not believe in, how did my experience shape my beliefs – the things we did in class let me become more aware of how I was thinking about my thinking.” n– High School Philosophy Student