Big Thinkers and Big Ideas: An Introduction to Eastern and Western Philosophy for Kids

I'm a middle school Humanities teacher at a private school. I'm currently evolving my curriculum to include more discussion of philosophy, particularly ancient philosophy. Honestly, I could rely on this book as a core text, like a sort of textbook. It's that useful. Divided into four sections (Reality, Knowledge, Ethics, Logic), the book brilliantly pairs each branch of philosophy with essential questions that young kids can understand. It draws examples from every corner of geography and time, and in that way is remarkably inclusive. Each student will find themselves reflected in what they read, and will be able to identify with a great thinker of the past. Accessibility is this book's greatest strength, and not just because of the language used, but also the thought experiments proposed (well-chosen to apply to a child's world), images and layout (not overwhelming or boring) and constant engagement (each three-page section ends with a fun and inviting question that students can reflect on, either in writing or discussion). It really doesn't pull any punches, either. Don't expect "One fish, two fish, morally right fish, morally wrong fish". It provides brief paragraphs that are deceptively laden with big ideas, in kid language, or the closest one can get when dealing with such weighty concepts. This book is a wonderful example of how advisory SEL learning can and should be happening within classes, woven-in to content, and measured as a skill. Too many teachers shy away from holding tough discussions that do not necessarily arrive at concrete, testable concepts. The result is a generation that does not know how to have productive disagreements, and who may believe that philosophy is a "me vs you" zero-sum shouting game. Misinformation LOVES people who were not taught philosophy. The internet is waterlogged with these people, today. I must add that this book can also serve as an amazing crash course in philosophy for adults who didn't study it at length in college, for instance. For those of us adults who are not above learning from a simplified kid's source sometimes, this book will come in handy as a survey of the world's most important philosophers, both very ancient and very modern. Enjoy! And please help create future adults that know how to productively interact with ideas!

I am thrilled with this book! My kids are older than ‘recommended’ yet they will still be able to read this book without being too bored, or feel they aren’t learning enough etc. it is well organized and well written, with seemingly little bias. I am looking forward to my own refresher course with this book! Philosophy is the ultimate critical thinking exercise, and we don’t do enough of this today. We need to make sure our kids are learning how to think and question for themselves- and innovate, create, and discover new things. Overall, a perfect book for my needs, and one that should be read in schools too.

This was a great book. It’s good for any age actually but my grandchildren always end up with these because I love them. So even if they’re getting it, we’re a gift we get to read it first. It’s a good idea anyway in case there’s anything inappropriate and anyway, in any book to read it before you give it to your grandchildren. Take it for me. It is a good idea.

1) Neil Degrasse Tyson is not a philosopher 2) Ayn Rand was not a philosopher, she wrote romance novels about unfettered capitalism, which is an economic system, not philosophy 3) There has been some inclusion of non-Western beliefs, but could do better 4) Lots of arguments cited depend on God but there is no section "Does God exist?" So it seems targeted at a Western audience who goes to church and already assumes that God exists. That said, the questions are mostly good and generate a lot of discussion with kids. The "Think" section asks good questions and proposes good scenarios for discussion. It has been a lot of fun, the points above are minor quibbles.

I like that the book doesn't seem to put down anyone's ideas, at least as far as I have read. And the descriptions are very well written, being both clear and objective, not inserting the opinions of the author. This one I would be willing to share with my grandchildren.

After skimming through it, and seeing the thinkers they've put in it, and how they've structured it, it seems to be well done. They do have the.. Troubling additions of Michel Foucault, and Derrida, and near the end, mention Karl Marx, and mention how communism has become "popular", while not mentioning the major historical problems caused by these thinkers, and their ideas when put into practice. All in all though, we should be guides as parents, not rulers. That said, I still think the book is worth the purchase, as long as you're ready to engage with your child on some of the concepts (some of them may cause some anxiety, as they deal with some existential elements many adults seem to struggle with).

I’m currently reading through this as the bedtime book for my 6 and 10 year old. They LOVE it and it has encouraged so many big metaphysical questions for them. Wonderful for me as well. The short segments make great for short attention spans and pack in some age appropriate and thought provoking ideas. We are all enjoying it!

I enjoy finding books that help my grandsons learn about a subject most public schools don’t cover. When I can afford to, I read the book before I suggest it. Luckily this book is available for Kindle Unlimited. After reading and enjoying this, I sent the physical book to my boys. The youngest at 11 years old grabbing the book out of the mailbox and started reading right away. Within the first few pages he exclaimed “Wow! My mind is blown!” Happiness is a child’s mind while learning something new 👍

Lo uso en clases de Filosofía de la sección bilingüe, y es muy asequible, con mucho vocabulario y muy ameno.

Sent this to my nephew who is 11 almost 12. He always asked deep questioned so thought this would be great. Normally he doesn’t “read books” but he just told me today that he has been “reading it!” With a big smile. Pretty amazing. Totally recommend 🥰

I think this book is great and answers many interesting questions in a relatable way, but my kid would rather read her other books and I kind of have to encourage her to pick this one up and keep reading.