The possibility of doing childish philosophy based on basic classical sources

This thesis has been prepared to question the potential use of fundamental classical sources in philosophy studies aimed at children. In the introduction, starting from geography and culture, information is provided about how the concept of the child has been perceived throughout historical processes, along with some evaluations. In what follows, the importance of philosophical thinking is discussed, and the types of thinking that it can develop in an individual are defined, along with the characteristics that individuals who possess these types of thinking will gain. The contribution of teaching philosophical thinking, even in small amounts, from childhood, and expressing it in a childlike manner to the development of healthy thinking in later years is discussed. In the first section of the thesis, the perspectives and evaluations of certain philosophers in the history of philosophy regarding children are examined. It has been determined that the main reason for the differences in the understanding of children by philosophers who affect and are affected by the society in which they live is the social and individual differences in which they are raised. Then, evaluations are made about why philosophy studies aimed at children are needed, and attention is drawn to the shared characteristics of children and philosophers. In this context, information is presented about philosophy studies for children as a pedagogical method, both in the world and in Turkey. The shortcomings of the studies conducted in Turkey are also questioned. It is emphasized that philosophical studies should also be conducted for teachers and parents, who are essential in the educational process. In the second section of the thesis, the relationship between philosophy studies for children and the geography, cultural structure, and language that the child is born into is emphasized. For this purpose, it is discussed how classical sources, commonly used in basic education, could also be used for philosophy for children, and how they can shape the children's semantic world and thinking. In this context, the thesis is based on the idea that classical sources can be prepared and used in studies to develop philosophical thinking in children, taking into account their developmental characteristics. To achieve this, examples of different methods that can be used are provided. Examples of various methods that can be employed are provided. Interestingly, it has been observed that the results of this thesis align perfectly with the view expressed in the 2024 Turkey Century National Education Model, which advocates for the development of social and sensory skills in children. As a result, it has been concluded that serious preliminary studies should be carried out in order to use the materials obtained by identifying classical sources, simplifying, adapting or rewriting them to suit children, in philosophical studies aimed at children. Keywords: Child, philosophy, classical sources, language, culture.