‘Why Do You Think That?’ Descartes, Hume and Knowledge

This chapter is the first of five ‘findings’ chapters and focuses on the them of ‘openness’. Beginning, as the research did, at Grendon the chapter provides a rich and detailed description of the therapeutic environment of Grendon. Drawing explicitly on the words of the participants and their experience of philosophy, the chapter defines open-mindedness and describes how the philosophy class encouraged more open ways of thinking. Finally, drawing on sessions discussing Descartes and Hume, the chapter provides an insight into pedagogy offering an explanation of how philosophy broadens perspectives.