Under the auspices of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO the

ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children

organizes the

International Conference

"Creativity - Thinking - Philosophy"

October 15 - 18, 2009 in Graz/Austria


Creativity and thinking are the two main foci of this international
conference of Philosophy with Children. Creative, critical, social and
caring thinking are fundamental skills which are critical both for our
cognitive and personal development, and for the well-being of every
human being.

It is important to get involved in philosophical inquiry in every aspect
of life; to think in a reflective way and to practise creative
problem-solving.  Philosophical inquiry enriches our speaking and
acting, the implementation of knowledge in our everyday life, our art,
science, technical science and society.  Because it is so basic to our
development, it is necessary to foster these skills early on with small
children and to then deepen them through lifelong learning.

Creativity is an anthropologically basic character trait of human beings
and essential for the self-reformation of society, including the
reformation of science and culture. The relation of creativity and
thinking means openness as well as critical reflection.

How can we foster creativity and self-reflective thinking in schools? 
Which approaches, methodologies, strategies, and possibilities do we see
offered through our educational system? How do we understand the
relation between individual and collective creativity? What contribution
can philosophy make for the future of a knowledge-based society?

The Austrian Centre of Philosophy with Children organised a yearly
conference - a conference that has already become a tradition - with the
aim of exchanging philosophical ideas and theories grounded in
interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives with reference to new
research projects and practical approaches. This year's conference will
examine the role of creativity and thinking in children's development of
life skills.

The congress offers papers and reports from international experts, an
overview about the current state in research, exciting debates and a
wide range of project presentations. It provides an important
intercultural and interdisciplinary forum were academic discussions and
exchanges of personal experiences can take place. The program offers the
approximately 200 participants from 18 countries, among them 24
speakers, an eventful conference.

The themes of the conference cover the following fields:

    * Creativity and thinking
    * Virtual worlds- creativity and imagination
    * Lifelong learning
    * Citizenship and democracy
    * Transculturality  and transdisciplinarity
    * Philosophy and ethics in school
    * Culture, integration and education
    * Pluralistic dimensions of philosophy with children

 

Call for Papers:
        Deadline: 31. Juli 2009
       
       

       
Place:         Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Meerscheinschlößl,

        Mozartgasse 3, A-8010 Graz

Conference fee:         EUR 50, students and members EUR 30

Bank details :        
Account holder:         Österreichische Gesellschaft für Kinderphilosophie
Bank:         Stmk. Bank und Sparkassen AG
IBAN:         AT982081502700802255
BIC:         STSPAT2GXXX

Organisation:
        ACPC Austrian Centre of Philosophy for Children

        Schmiedgasse 12, A-8010 Graz

        email: kinderphilosophie@aon.at <mailto:kinderphilosophie@aon.at>

        Tel and Fax: +43 (0) 316 / 81 15 13

        Homepage: www.kinderphilosophie at

       
Language:         English and German as official languages of the conference




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