Philosophising with Children Worldwide about Nature, Natural Values, and Pollution

Abstract

This study presents the results of our international, intercultural, and empirical study. We philosophised with children from different countries and social contexts about nature, pollution and sustainability. Before presenting the key findings of our empirical research, we outline our concept of Philosophy for Children (P4C). What is P4C? What forms of P4C are commonly advocated? How and for what do we use it? The interpretations of our empirical study can be summarised as follows: Pollution touches and moves children around the world, evokes wide-ranging emotions, and is valued as an important issue. Children reflect on an intrinsic value of nature and express pathocentric and vulnerabilistic views towards humans, animals and nature. Finally, children of different cultures justify different levels of punishment for environmental offenders.