This issue has three parts. The first is a brilliant short video from BBC Scotland on the vexed question of “What makes soup soup?” – though comic, it’s a splendid way in to a variety of philosophical questions.
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Then there’s an invitation to Headteachers, Deputy Heads and high-ups in groups of schools to attend a free P4C Taster Day in London on Tuesday 25th June.
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Finally, invitations that you can pass on to young philosophers and other curious youngsters for events I’m hosting: the GIFT Summer School and Philosophy Wranglers Online Seminars.
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What Makes Soup Soup?
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Tommy’s philosophical crisis is an example of looking for the necessary and sufficient conditions of a concept. (See “Philosophy Out of Thin Air“). Perhaps soup is a “family resemblance concept”, as explained in 66-68 of Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations. Soups have no one defining feature, but instead overlapping similarities, like the nose, build, sense of humour and suchlike that between them mark out a family. Using the video as a stimulus, and then getting a group to analyse a more complex concept, such as “a game”, could make for an interesting discussion.
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Free P4C Taster Day for Headteachers
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On Tuesday 25th June, headteachers, deputy heads and high-ups in MATs and clusters etc. are invited to attend a free day of P4C training near London Bridge Station. Normally, I charge £249+VAT for open courses but this day (slightly shorter than normal to make it easier for people to travel) is free to those who, if they like what they experience, may be in a position to book training and workshops for their schools. Here’s the event page for more details and to reserve a place: https://
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GIFT Summer School
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Each summer I run a secondary age residential summer school for bright, curious youngsters from around the UK and beyond. This year, we have a new and even more spectacular home at Grittleton House, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. I’ll be running two philosophy courses, “Vain Wisdom All and False Philosophy” and “Peripatetikoi”. Colleagues will be offering courses from cartooning to aeronautics to river ecology.
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It’s always a brilliant event and many of the young people make friends that they will keep for decades. The cost is £549, but bursaries are usually available to support those who need them. Details at GIFT Courses or see the attached brochure and print-friendly flyer. Please pass them on to anyone you think might be interested, or to other teachers who are in contact with young people who might have an appetite for learning beyond the school curriculum.
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Philosophy Wranglers
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Each month, I run two one-hour online philosophy evening seminars, one for ages 9-11 and one for secondary age. The next dates are 1st May and 6th June. These are always very enjoyable, with a different topic each month. The cost is a mere £7. Find out more at GIFT Courses.
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If you’d like to discuss any of these events, feel free to ring me on 07843 555355.
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Best wishes,
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Jason