Socrates for Kids

Socrates for Kids is a short book for both children and grownups encompassing a series of entertaining, easy to understand children's stories that incorporate classical and current philosophical themes. Each story features situations highlighting one or more issues in ethics (justice, human rights, compassion, friendship, and fairness); epistemology (issues relating to how we know what we know); political philosophy (Why do we need government? What is its functions?); metaphysics (deals with the mysteries of the universe); and aesthetics (What is art? Why do we need it? How do we know when something is beautiful?). In addition, relevant notes for grownups to assist them in multi-tiered explanations and analysis follow each story. Questions geared to various age levels are included. Ideas embodied in each story are as follows: "The Dandelion Dilemma" is an allegorical tale of a little girl who is confronted squarely with an incident involving group discrimination. "The Special Painting" is the story of a group of children who are taken on their first trip to a museum where they are exposed to the joys and puzzlement associated with the aesthetic experience. "Saving Snoozy Snowflake" is a story that recognizes the prevailing thirst for the teaching of philosophical values to children. This particular story deals with the meaning of friendship. "The Case of the Disappearing Gloves" is the story of a little girl and her grandmother who discover why things can remain the same despite the vagaries of an ever-changing world. "The Schoolhouse Mouse" is the improbable story of a little mouse that wishes to go to school. It is meant to teach children about tolerance and social change. "The Mysterious Camera" recalls the story of a boy and his beloved grandfather who capture their mutual love through the vehicle of photography.