The article presents the theoretical construction of the relationship between mathematics learning and philosophy for/with children. The selection of a documentary corpus allowed delimiting the object of study. Then, thematic and analytical cards were elaborated to interpret the main statements, in which divergences and convergences between philosophy for/with children and the learning of mathematics were evidenced. The text is organized in six sections: Mathematical thinking as experience; Philosophy for/with children: a space for thinking; Reasoning, argumentation and logical thinking: a matter (...) of philosophy for/with children and mathematics; the role of the question in mathematical thinking; the community of inquiry: a matter of mathematics; and, finally, from concept to mathematical thinking. The article gives an account of the reflection on the need to link the learning of mathematics with the exercise of philosophizing in order to democratize mathematics. This leads to the formation of critical, creative and ethical thinking, fundamental in the learning processes of mathematics, which becomes a pedagogical experience and a didactic bet from critical mathematics education. In conclusion, the interaction between these two disciplines transforms pedagogical practices and school contexts. The classroom becomes a space for inquiry, wonder, creation, reasoning, modeling, argumentation, training and individual and collective transformation. The learning of mathematics encompasses the need to emancipate the subjects in order to solve social injustices from the contexts, to promulgate equality and democracy through the learning of mathematics. (shrink)

This inaugural handbook documents the distinctive research field that utilizes history and philosophy in investigation of theoretical, curricular and pedagogical issues in the teaching of science and mathematics. It is contributed to by 130 researchers from 30 countries; it provides a logically structured, fully referenced guide to the ways in which science and mathematics education is, informed by the history and philosophy of these disciplines, as well as by the philosophy of education more generally. The first handbook to cover the (...) field, it lays down a much-needed marker of progress to date and provides a platform for informed and coherent future analysis and research of the subject. -/- The publication comes at a time of heightened worldwide concern over the standard of science and mathematics education, attended by fierce debate over how best to reform curricula and enliven student engagement in the subjects There is a growing recognition among educators and policy makers that the learning of science must dovetail with learning about science; this handbook is uniquely positioned as a locus for the discussion. -/- The handbook features sections on pedagogical, theoretical, national, and biographical research, setting the literature of each tradition in its historical context. Each chapter engages in an assessment of the strengths and weakness of the research addressed, and suggests potentially fruitful avenues of future research. A key element of the handbook’s broader analytical framework is its identification and examination of unnoticed philosophical assumptions in science and mathematics research. It reminds readers at a crucial juncture that there has been a long and rich tradition of historical and philosophical engagements with science and mathematics teaching, and that lessons can be learnt from these engagements for the resolution of current theoretical, curricular and pedagogical questions that face teachers and administrators. (shrink)

This article examines the possibility of philosophizing about mathematics with children. It aims at outlining the nature of the practice of philosophy of mathematics with children in a mainly theoretical and exploratory way. First, an attempt at a definition is proposed. Second, I suggest some reasons that might motivate such a practice. My thesis is that one can identify an intrinsic as well as two extrinsic goals of philosophizing about mathematics with children. The intrinsic goal is related to a presumed (...) inherent importance of presenting children with some philosophical questions about mathematics. The extrinsic goals consist of first the positive effects such a practice can have on mathematical learning and abilities and second the fostering of children's understanding of philosophical method of inquiry and thinking and therefore of their philosophical thinking competences. Third, some examples found in the literature of previously developed ways of practising philosophy of mathematics with children are presented. This article aims at giving a general outlining picture of the issues surrounding the practice of philosophy of mathematics with children and should therefore be read as an encouragement to further development and studies. (shrink)