UNESCO WORLD PHILOSOPHY DAY 2013

Early day motion 819, tabled 28 November 2013 by Sheila Gilmore (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

That this House notes that reasoning and critical thinking are important for education and innovation and that speaking and listening skills are vital for literacy and emotional development; further notes that philosophical inquiry develops these vital skills and a range of others necessary for the future economic and social development of the UK; is concerned about the focus on teaching to test rather than inspiring life-long learning; reaffirms its concern over the high number of children and adults who struggle with literacy difficulties and considers that all children and young people should be able to access philosophy to improve educational achievement and autonomous thinking; commends the mission of the Philosophy Foundation to raise aspiration and attainment through promoting philosophical inquiry in the classroom; and welcomes the opportunity of UNESCO World Philosophy Day 2013 to highlight the need to expand access to philosophical inquiry to all children.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.