Our Members
Connecting P4wC Practitioners and researchers
From around the world
ICPIC connects its members with other P4wC practitioners and researchers from around the world. It is a valuable means of keeping in touch with our growing global community and of showing real commitment to the endeavor of bringing philosophical inquiry into classrooms and beyond. By joining ICPIC, members get a chance to think globally while acting locally, gaining access to networks and resources, and participating in conference seminars and research projects.
Member’s Area
Connect with other members, update your profile and manage your membership
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ICPIC IN ACTION
Photo Gallery
LOOKING BACK
TEACHER TRAINING
Spain. Ann Sharp, Matthew Lipman and Félix García Moriyón at the 6th ICPIC conference in Alcalá de Henares in 1993. 
Brazil. The opening seminar of the 9th ICPIC conference in Brasilia, Brazil, in 1999, that focused on analyzing the 30 first years of the Philosophy for/with Children movement. 
Israel. Children engaged in philosophical inquiry during the 13th ICPIC conference on philosophy, identity and culture at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2007. 
Spain. The 18th international ICPIC conference "Coming of Age: Family Resemblances" kicked off at the Palacio de Cibeles in downtown Madrid on June 28, 2017.
Mexico. P4wC experts Ann Sharp, Michel Sasseville, Jen Glaser and Gil Burgh gathered at the 12th ICPIC conference in Mexico City in 2005. 
Italy. Ann Sharp with Richard Morehouse and Michael Pritchard at the 14th ICPIC conference in Padua in 2009. 
Spain. ICPIC's pre-conference seminar "Exploring the Practices and Challenges of Research in P4wC" took place in June 2017 at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. 
Brazil. Children engaged in philosophical dialogue as part of a project at the State University of Rio de Janeiro entitled "Does philosophy fit in Caxias?" 
Canada. Young thinkers from Brila's creative philosophy camps in Montreal share their vision of an ideal school where kids have power. 
Ghana. Young African philosophers reflect on the art of reasoning as part of an intercontinental P4wC project with Canada. 
Spain. A group of first and second grade students from the four schools of the village of Argentona engage in a philosophical inquiry. 
Canada. Kid participants at the Think Fun Camps just outside of Vancouver enjoy sharing philosophical thoughts during the hot summer months.
Countries practicing Philosophy for/with Children…
Members Organizations
The ACPC was set up in 1985 to promote research in Philosophy for Children and to advance the field in theory and practice. The institute provides a variety of services to prepare teachers to facilitate philosophical inquiry with their students, develops and publishes curriculum materials and is a philosophical counseling as well as a documentary center. It promotes education and advanced training for children, youth and adults; consults pedagogical institutions; writes project descriptions; creates and promotes workshop and procedure documentation. All its research projects are publicized for the benefit of practitioners.
Since 2007, the Akademie Kinder Philosophieren has offered continuing education courses for educational professionals on how to philosophize with children and adolescents Together with its participants and institutional partners from education, businesses and politics, the organization develop new, creative approaches to the implementation of P4wC in day care centers and schools as well as in higher education institutions. The organization views philosophy not only as a cultural technique that can be learned but also as a basic human need.
The Big Thinkers P4C Centre offers workshops and seminars on the development of logical, creative and ethical thinking through training strategies, philosophical consulting and endless didactic supports. We conduct training in the Philosophy for/with Children program for children as well as their teachers and parents.
CECAPFI (Centro Educativo para la Creación Autónoma en Prácticas Filosóficas) is a center for development, teaching and innovation in philosophical practices in Mexico, Mexico. CECAPFI is composed of five areas: a) schools: we offer diploma courses of different types, run trainings in P4wC and work with educational institutions; b) world: we offer philosophical consultation, philosophy for organizations, philosophical coffees; c) editorial: our printing press specialized in philosophical practices; d) research institute: our research projects in philosophical practice; e) links: our ontact with colleagues and professionals from around the world.
The Centro de Filosofía para niños was established as a non-profit association in 1992 with the aim of disseminating the philosophical and pedagogical works of Matthew Lipman and Ann M. Sharp in Spain. Since it has offered training and support for teaching staff, as well as produced an abundant of research studies and pedagogical materials adapted to the needs of its context. The Center is mainly made up of teachers and other education professionals, artists, staff of various institutions and groups and graduate students, who all contribute to giving life to this beautiful collective project.
CIREP is a non-for-profit organization based in San Bellino, Italy. Our interest is aimed at children and adults in different contexts of educational experience. Our pilot project was born with the aim of promoting the development of Philosophy for/with Children. We collaborate with departments of different universities across the country and in the world, in particular with the University of Padua (FISPPA – Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology departments).
Espacio Filosofía para Niñxs is a civil association dedicated to the promotion, defense and diffusion of the philosophy for and with children. Our work focuses on teacher training, research and the production of both theoretical and classroom materials. With these projects, we seek to encourage a more reflective form of education, which includes philosophical dialogue as a daily practice in the classroom.
The Ethics Olympiad promotes respectful, creative and rigorous discussion of ethics among students within and across school communities. An Ethics Olympiad is a competitive yet collaborative event in which students analyse and discuss real-life, and timely, ethical issues. It differs from a debate in that students are not assigned opposing views rather, they defend whatever position they believe is right and win by showing that they have thought more carefully, deeply, and perceptively about the cases in question. Experience shows that the event encourages and promotes ethical awareness, critical thinking skills, civil discourse, international engagement, and an appreciation for diverse points of view.
GrupIREF is a non-profit association based in Catalonia that promotes the Filosofia 3/18 curriculum. This P4wC program incorporates creates new and supplementary materials, paying special attention to the arts as a path to knowledge. Recognized by the Department of Education of Catalonia, it can organize teacher training courses, provide training for teacher trainers, and endorse research projects. GrupIREF also collaborates with many local and regional institutions.
Coming Soon!
Located in Argenteuil, France, The IPP, or Institute of Philosophical Practices, was founded by philosopher Oscar Brenifier and researcher Isabelle Millon to promote the development of philosophy in the city and as a pedagogical tool in schools. The purpose is to learn and practice how to think for oneself and to think with others. Philosophizing comes to signify a way to be initiated to the construction of thought, to critical analysis and to dialogue.
The Israeli Centre for Philosophy in Education (ICPE) advances Philosophy for/with Children in Israel. The Center provides professional development programs for teachers, social change agents and institutions (schools and non-for-profit organizations) in such areas as P4wC and pedagogies of engagement. It is a project of the non-for-profit Topaz-Leading Social and Educational Innovation. The refrain “Philosophy for Life” carries the Centre’s commitment to linking inquiry with the question “How ought we live?” and to the practical implications of our reflective inquiries for our lives.
Ths Israeli Academic Forum for Philosophy with/for Children at the Faculty of Education in the University of Haifa (Israel) headed by Dr. Arie Kizel organizes conferences, activities and initiatives in Israel. The forum cultivates Philosophy with/for Children seminars and courses aiming to promote a dialogical and democratic spirit in the educational system in Israel. It is responsible for professional development of teachers and practitioners in the Jewish and Arab sectors, and operates a large number of research projects. Since 2018, it awards a special prize for excellent academic research projects.
Project MARFIL (Marginality and Philosophy for/with Children) is an interdisciplinary project of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences at Minuto de Dios University Corporation (UNIMINUTO) in Bogotá, Colombia. The project encourages the construction of new and better ways of life through philosophical education and social creativity. It brings together students and professionals who are passionate about promoting dialogical spaces in which participants strengthen their creative, critical and ethical capacities.
P4C China is an internationally accredited training organization offering in-school and public P4wC training to international and government schools across Greater China. Their mission is to encourage stronger questioning, deeper thinking and better reasoning in students through P4wC. The organization is based in Shanghai and delivers courses in both Chinese and English.
SAPERE, or the Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education, is an internationally recognised educational charity that promotes Philosophy for/with Children, known as P4wC. Founded in 1992, its mission is to train teachers in P4wC, which encourages children to think critically, creatively, collaboratively and caringly. The organization is committed to helping children, particularly those facing disadvantage, to become lifelong learners.
SAPERE B&H is a community of philosophical inquiry and reflection whose ultimate goal is to develop practical wisdom and well reasoning among children and adults.
SAPERE (Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Inquiry and Reflection in Education) Philosophy for Children (P4C) operates in the UK. TPO Foundation, in cooperation with SAPERE Institute in London, established the first SAPERE B&H Critical Thinking Programme in 2018.
Learning to think is a serious job and requires us to be creative, collaborative, critical and above all caring what is achieved through P4C – Philosophy for Children and Young Work Methods.
The aim of SOPHIA is the advancement of doing philosophy with children in Europe as well as European cooperation in the field of P4wC, especially tightening cultural links between European countries. The Foundation realizes its aims by organizing an annual meeting with host organizations around Europe, creating opportunities for educational projects that are of special importance for mutual relationships between European countries, facilitating exchanges between European scholars and students in the area of philosophical inquiry with children, and cooperating with other institutions and universities.
The University of Washington Center for Philosophy for Children is dedicated to introducing philosophy to children and youth in schools and elsewhere. We use children’s literature and a wide range of activities to inspire exploration of life’s essential questions. In existence since 1996, the Center’s work includes a “Philosophers in the Schools Program;” workshops for teachers; parent education; hosting the Washington State High School Ethics Bowl; university courses, graduate fellowships, and a Certificate of Mastery in philosophy for/with children; and serving as a host and resource for international scholars.
The Vancouver Institute of Philosophy for Children (VIP4C) is an advanced practice and research collective committed to bringing philosophical inquiry whomever wherever we may find them. Spearheaded by Dr. Susan Gardner, all practitioners have experience with teaching and developing P4C curricula and are up to date on the latest theoretical developments in P4C. VIP4C’s key goals are, amongst others, to help build flourishing communities by empowering children with the thinking skills to be the best that they can be; continuing to develop university curricula on “Philosophy for Children” (P4C)—an education initiative recognized by UNESCO; integrating dialogical methods into the teacher education programs in British Columbia, Canada; assisting in the organization of local and international conferences; creating P4C summer camps for BC youngsters.
Inspired by the Philosophy for/with Children movement, the Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools (VAPS) promotes critical and creative thinking among young people. We believe that learning philosophy opens students’ minds to big ideas. We support teachers in fostering the intellectual and social skills that enable students to think philosophically—through training, networking and curriculum development.
Viterbo University offers the course “Philosophy for Education and the Role of Philosophy for Children,” which explores the philosophical assumptions behind different theories and methods of education, paying close attention to how views of education have developed and changed over the last few centuries. In addition to exploring fundamental questions surrounding the nature and purpose of education, the course also examines the potential value of philosophy for K-12 education. The last few weeks of the course are dedicated to understanding some of the current debates surrounding education.
OUR ICPIC
Membership Options
Become a member…
JOIN NOW
1. Personal membership
is for individual people.
It offers you a means of being part of something bigger, aligning yourself with an international community that supports educational and social change around the world. You will join a global movement of passionate colleagues who are committed to bringing philosophical inquiry to education and childhood.
25.00€ standard annual rate
10.00€ discounted annual rate
(for students and those without a regular income)
BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS:
✓ Exchange resources with colleagues
✓ Share your P4wC publications (articles, books & journals)
✓ Seek help from skilled practitioners and theorists
✓ Collaborate on projects with others who love P4wC
✓ Celebrate your achievements with a global community
✓ Find members with similar interests in your region
✓ Post and receive emails through the members listserv
✓ Communicate with other members in a secure space(direct messaging through the members area)
✓ Be an active part of the worldwide ICPIC community (online discussion groups in the members area)
2. Organizational membership
is for centers and institutions.
It provides both non-for-profit and for-profit organizations with a way of showing their commitment to the larger purposes and values of Philosophy for/with Children as an educational social movement, and of expressing their responsibility to the growth of P4wC at a global level.
50.00€ standard annual rate
(for established organizations of 100+ members with incomes that balance their expenses)
30.00€ discounted annual rate
(for developing organizations that are not yet financially self-sufficient with less than 100 members)
BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS:
✓ Showcase your projects and achievements on our international online platform
✓ Inform colleagues of your upcoming events through news posts on our website
✓ Gain global visibility by appearing in the organizational members section of our website
✓ Connect your own members to the wider P4wC world
✓ Enhance your status with local authorities through participation in a global network endorsed by UNESCO
✓ Provide potential partners and funders with “proof of concept”—that is, evidence of P4wC effectiveness based on sound research conducted internationally through both theoretical and empirical studies that you may not have the resources to do on your own.
Note: once you have signed up, go to the Community Directory in the Member’s area, and write a profile. Also, go to Forums and subscribe so that you will receive posted notes from members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do ICPIC memberships last?
A: Both the personal and the organizational memberships are for the current year, starting from the date of registration until December 31 of the same year.
Q: Why should I become an ICPIC Member?
A: As an ICPIC member, you will not only be showing support for our work in philosophical inquiry with children but also be joining a global community of practitioners, researchers and advocates who share your commitment to this important cause. You will also be gaining access to a members-only area that includes a membership directory, online communities of practice and research groups working in philosophical inquiry with young people, and direct messaging with other members. Member organizations extend their visibility by being listed on the ICPIC website and can apply to ICPIC to obtain endorsement for conferences and training programs according to our criteria.
Q: Can individual ICPIC members advertise their P4wC events?
A: Personal memberships allow members to share information through the member listserv and online discussion groups but not for advertise an organization’s events on the website. To do so, the organization must itself be a member of ICPIC.
Q: What kind of ICPIC membership should I choose if I run a P4wC business as a one-person show?
A: If you run a P4wC enterprise—for profit or non-for-profit—you do effectively count as an organization, even if it is a small one. You will need an organizational membership for your business (so you can share what it is doing and planning) as well as a personal membership for your own interactions as an individual member of the global ICPIC community. As a small enterprise, you can take advantage of the discounted rate for developing organizations and take comfort in knowing that for this small financial outlay, your organization will get high exposure it may otherwise have found difficult to achieve.
Q: While my organization gives me autonomy to engage in P4wC, they are not themselves committed to P4wC as an institution so I have never established what I am doing at an institutional level. Should I get both an organizational and personal membership?
A: While you may be the driving force behind the projects you have created, your institution is still involved—for example, whether it is a university or a school, they are legally implicated in anything that might go wrong with your work. So while they may not share your passion for P4wC, since they are enabling you to do this work, it is worth acknowledging these efforts through an organizational membership that that increases their visibility.
Q: What do I do if I have technical issues with my ICPIC membership?
A: We are happy to provide you with technical support! Just email us using the contact form below explaining the issue you are having and including your user log-in details.