Philosophy to be offered earlier at French schools, says minister

French 15-year-olds will soon be discussing Descartes and Socrates in a new pilot scheme in 250 schools, announced by Education Minister Luc Chatel. France's high-culture education system already teaches philosophy at 17 and Chatel thinks they might be ready even younger.

Wikimedia commons

"Without a doubt, the world needs philosophy [...] in this time of globalisation which is worrysome and sometimes causes people to turn inwards," said Chatel during the UN cultural arm Unesco during its World Philosophy Day in Paris.

It will be taught in the context of literature and scientific practices, and will be available to students during the two free periods they have every week in a group setting.

Chatel said that these courses will not affect the philosophical study already offered to 17-year-olds.

Teachers have welcomed this pilot project with open arms.

"We are not opposed [...] in principle to prepare for learning in the 17-year-old curriculum, where they will gain a higher level of knowledge," said Simon Perrier, President of the Association of Philosophy Professors.

Coming for the country which invented philosophy cafés, the proposal will do nothing to undermine the French's reputation for taking their intellectual heritage - and themselves - very seriously.