Adventures in Reasoning

Would you like to be a Knight or a Spy or, perhaps, an Elf or a Cyclops? It is not possible for students of all ages not to be engaged in this exciting imaginative role-playing experience which, nonetheless, will enhance their capacity for active listening, critical and creative thinking, cooperative problem solving, and articulate communicating. It will change their world view! This is “participant philosophy” at its best. -- Dr. Susan T. Gardner, professor of philosophy, Capilano University, North Vancouver, Canada; director, The Vancouver Institute of Philosophy for Children
Jason J. Howard argues that "helping students think more critically, communicate ideas more effectively, and work more cooperatively with others are goals widely recognized as indispensable to a proper education." The teaching of Philosophy in schools and, more specifically, the Philosophy for Children (PFC) program, have been integral to the achievement of these goals for many years. Adventures in Reasoning: Communal Inquiry Through Fantasy Role-play makes a substantial and original contribution to both the theory and practice of PFC. Howard argues convincingly that fantasy role-playing has substantial educational benefits and this is amply demonstrated through the games he has devised. This is a timely book, which will be essential reading  for students, teachers and researchers in the fields of PFC, critical reasoning and collaborative inquiry. -- Patrick Costello, former professor of Primary Education, Glyndwr University Wrexham, UK
This book challenges all of us, as educators, to imagine new and creative ways of engaging students’ thinking. Howard's novel offers a sophisticated imaginative context into which students are invited to collectively discuss contestable questions ranging from moral dilemmas, to culture, identity and race. Adventures in Reasoning  demonstrates an original and captivating approach to learning to think critically and communicate better, through making and evaluating arguments, reflecting on assumptions and ethical consequences. A must-read for all philosophy teachers! -- Nadia Stoyanova Kennedy, City University of New York
If philosophy is the practice of meaning-making, Howard’s Adventures in Reasoning is an ideal vehicle for inviting young people to be philosophers. It is remarkable how many capacities the game calls on—from imagination, to critical thinking, to collaborative dialogue—all in the service of robust, first-hand philosophical inquiry. Having myself journeyed in Howard’s world of Arête, I can report that the adventure is thrilling and the philosophy, genuine. With detailed instructions, a compelling narrative, and a scholarly introduction to the theory and practice of Philosophy for Children, this ingenious book is a rich resource for teachers, parents, club leaders, and those of us adults who enjoy playing with ideas. -- Maughn Gregory, PhD, director, Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children, Montclair State University