This lecture provides an interdisciplinary perspective on early childhood by examining childhood through the lens of philosophy. We will begin by asking how we should think of childhood and by considering historical and cultural influences on the concept of childhood. Further topics will include cognitive and moral development (including the development of self-consciousness and intersubjectivity), the agency and autonomy of children, and the question of what makes for a good childhood. The lecture is accompanied by a seminar, which provides the opportunity for more detailed discussion of some of the material covered in the lecture.
The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge of philosophical questions relating to early childhood, to help them identify the philosophical presuppositions and implications of empirical research findings, to sensitize them to the historical and cultural context of research, to enable them to understand and critically examine the argumentative structure of philosophical discussion on these topics and to articulate and defend their own position with respect to the claims discussed during the course.
- Trainer/in: Kristina Musholt