Big Thinkers and Big Ideas - by Sharon Kaye (Paperback)

About the Book

Explore deep questions and practice big thinking-with philosophy for kids.

Book Synopsis

An introductory guide to Eastern and Western philosophy for kids ages 8 to 12

Philosophy is both fun and good for kids' brains, as it encourages them to think deeply and develop their own solutions to complex problems. With this colorful book about philosophy for kids, they'll learn all about introductory concepts and important thinkers in a way that's fun and approachable, but still in-depth and substantial.

Your child will explore questions like: "What is real?", "How do I know something is true?", "How can I be a good person?", and "If this is true, what else is true?" A detailed glossary offers easy-to-understand definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book.

Dive into philosophy for children with:

• An intro to philosophy―Get essential information about the origins of philosophy, the different branches, and the benefits of studying it.
• The four main branches―Discover the main branches of philosophy: metaphysics (reality), epistemology (knowledge), logic (critical thinking), and ethics (values).
• Philosopher profiles―Learn about different kinds of philosophy from all over the world and details about philosophers like Socrates, Pythagoras, Nancy Fraser, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Inspire your child to think deeply with this perfect introduction to philosophy for kids.

Review Quotes

"Big Thinkers and Big Ideas is a great way to introduce children to philosophy. Clearly written and lusciously illustrated, this book integrates Western and non-Western answers to the big questions that have puzzled philosophers through the ages. The exercises at the end of each section will stimulate great discussions among children and their caregivers." --Thomas E. Wartenberg, senior research fellow in Philosophy, Mount Holyoke College

"Building on the success of Philosophy for Teens: Questioning Life's Big Ideas, Dr. Sharon Kaye's new book, Big Thinkers and Big Ideas: an Introduction to Eastern and Western Philosophy for Kids, artfully engages children in interrogating life's big questions. With a tone that is both accessible and hopeful, Kaye encourages youth to contemplate what is real, truthful, just, and good--and to make impactful decisions for their own lives and the world in accordance with their uniquely discerned values. As a mom, educator, and scholar of community-engaged teaching, research, and service, I highly recommend this book as a vehicle for educating the next generation of individuals whose ideas and ideals will shape the future of our local and global society." --Jennifer Merritt, MBA, PhD, Director of Community-based Learning, Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, Santa Clara University

"Dr. Kaye has written an engaging book that combines thoughtful philosophical questions on a wide range of topics with brief profiles of philosophers from ancient times to the present. Young and old will enjoy exploring the wide range of ideas presented in this colorful and informative book." --Wendy C. Turgeon, author of Philosophical Adventures with Fairy Tales

"We need more philosophers in the world, now more than ever! This accessible and entertaining book is a wonderful way to start them young. It is sure to engage the curiosity and imagination of children and inspire them to pursue the most important questions about themselves, their lives, and the world around them." -- Steven Nadler, Professor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

About the Author

Sharon Kaye, PhD, is a professor of philosophy at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. She publishes articles, textbooks, and philosophical novels while directing her own Philosophy for Kids program