Philosophy for Children (PFC) as an educational practice to promote peace and non-violent coexistence

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to show the efficiency of “Philosophy for Children” (PFC) in their spiritual development and its impact on promoting peace and coexistence with others, both coreligionists and non-coreligionists. While analysing the concept of spirituality, the article also explores the basics, and the goals and methods of the PFC programme. It then examines the influence of this educational programme on fostering children’s prosocial behaviours and strengthening their communication skills with others to develop peace and denial of violence. The results show that the PFC training model strengthening skills (such as creating an acceptance spirit), enhancing the child’s emotional intelligence and teaching moderation in belief and practice and commitment to rationality and morality of belief, can improve their relations with fellow human beings in a rational space associated with compassion, and as a result, reduce tension and violence.