Eli Pitkovsky: On the Importance of Philosophy Workshops for the Young
I remember myself as a confused, wondering boy, preoccupied by questions which seemed essential about the world, God, myself, my identity, my feelings and wishes, and the meaning of my life. The educational system which I attended dictated that I preoccupy myself with math, English, Bible, and history, in no way encouraging thought about the questions that seemed much more important to me at the time. Although such essential questions accompany us from childhood, people often live their lives without truly confronting them, till finally the questions are pushed aside and forgotten.
The research workshops for youth are meant to fill the vacuum for many other youngsters, offering them a space of discussion which I so sorely lacked as a boy. Philosophy is that space of discussion in which the search for truth gains flesh, and in which basic questions about our world, ourselves, and our function in this world, have a real place. Familiarity with philosophy is not just a broadening of intellectual horizons; it opens for us a door to ourselves, providing us with tools for a serious encounter with the most difficult questions that face us as human beings. Participants willing to learn and develop will gain both intellectual and moral insights, and be equipped with ancient tools that have been polished and refined over thousands of years.
About the Workshops
This year we will offer two workshops.
One is intended for middle school pupils (grades 7-9) and will concern philosophical riddles. The point of departure for a joint exploration will be a short shared activity or reading session, allowing participants to raise questions that interest them. Guided by the instructor, we will contemplate the philosophical aspects of these questions and their connection with riddles considered by philosophers.
The second workshop is intended for high school students (grades 10-12). The workshop will focus on the concept of man in general, and on spiritual development in particular. In the course of the workshop we will become acquainted with diverse spiritual worlds, from Western thought and from other cultures. Based on the knowledge thus gained, we will reexamine questions of spiritual self-identity, calling, fate, and freedom.
9th grade students who feel drawn to these issues and wish to join the older group will be allowed to do so with the agreement of the instructor and following a special interview.
The two workshops are based on short, accessible texts (in Hebrew) from the philosophical repertoire and from non-philosophical literature. Besides reading materials, the workshop will include the use of other means (viewing a short film, games suitable to the workshop's needs, and visual presentations). A detailed syllabus will be published on the site at a later date.
About the Instructor: Eli Pitkovsky
Head of the Children and Youth Guidance Department at Philoharmony, founder of the "Philosophy Oriented Youth" program in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Eli is a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Philosophy, the Hebrew University, and a winner of the President's Prize for Outstanding Ph.D. Candidates in the Humanities.
In the course of his studies he received the Yael Cohen Memorial Prize for Excellence in the Study of Philosophy.
In recent years he has taught philosophy in various educational frameworks and schools in Jerusalem and has provided individual and group instruction to students; he has developed learning programs as part of the "Children Do Philosophy" program in Jerusalem elementary schools; and has participated as a lecturer in a training course for instructors in the field.
At the 13th conference of the International Council of Philosophical Inquiry with Children (ICPIC) Eli lectured on "Spiritual Development and Faith".
His essay "The Problem of the Mirror" was published in Iyun magazine in April 2005.
Part of the sessions will be led by Dr. Eli Eilon, director of Philoharmony.
Who are the Workshops Intended For?
The workshops are open to pupils in grades 7-9 and in grades 10-12.
Prior philosophical knowledge is not required. Natural curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn are very welcome.
In order to retain the character of the group and allow participants to express themselves fully, the number of participants in each group will be limited.
Workshop outcomes:
Besides initial acquaintance with the world of philosophy, the workshop will offer the participants an opportunity to acquire new tools and develop existing skills. Exploration in a group framework will enable participants to examine their own positions with a critical eye and will expose them to new ways of thinking; in addition, it will allow them a taste of the special experience of joint philosophical research. Beyond the social aspects of a research community, on the personal level the workshop will foster participants' creativity, powers of expression, critical thinking, and basic intellectual skills required for philosophical exploration (categorization, reasoning, drawing conclusions, etc.).
Further Study Program:
As of next year, Philoharmony will offer a program of further study that will be open to the workshop participants interested in exploring more deeply.
