Routledge In Community of Inquiry with Ann Margaret Sharp: Childhood, Philosophy and Education (Philosophy for Children Founders)

In close collaboration with the late Matthew Lipman, Ann Margaret Sharp pioneered the theory and practice of ‘the community of philosophical inquiry’ (CPI) as a way of practicing ‘Philosophy for Children’ and prepared thousands of philosophers and teachers throughout the world in this practice. In Community of Inquiry with Ann Margaret Sharp represents a long-awaited and much-needed anthology of Sharp’s insightful and influential scholarship, bringing her enduring legacy to new generations of academics, postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of education, philosophy, philosophy of education, Philosophy for Children and philosophy of childhood. Sharp developed a unique perspective on the interdependence of education, philosophy, personhood and community that remains influential in many parts of the world. This perspective was shaped not only by Sharp’s work in philosophy and education, but also by her avid studies in literature, feminism, aesthetic theory and ecumenical spirituality. Containing valuable contributions from senior figures in the fields in which Sharp produced her most focused scholarship, the chapters in this book present a critical overview of how Sharp’s ideas relate to education, philosophy of education, and the Philosophy for Children movement as a whole. The historical and philosophical nature of this collection means that it will be a vital resource for philosophers and educators. It should also be of great interest to teacher educators and those involved in the study of pragmatism and feminism, as well as the history of education across the globe, particularly in the United States of America. Review 'Sharp saw the community of inquiry as a democratic practice of engaged philosophy and integral part of her teaching and personal life; making for intergenerational connections through shared philosophical dialogue, fed by imagination and experience, pointing to action for the good. Sharp’s ideas have been lovingly assembled in this rich and skillfully edited collection of a range of her writing, interwoven with appreciative and critical commentaries from a selected group of committed Philosophy for Children scholars who know her work very well and who genuinely engage with her ideas in their own theorising and practice. One of the many achievements of this volume is that the approach to writing and editing has been carried out in keeping with the spirit and process of community of inquiry, so that the content and style are dancing in dialogic harmony, generating new questions for philosophy and education. This is such a timely and vitalpublication, one that thoroughly deserves to be widely read and creatively activated.' - Joanna Haynes (2021) Theory and Research in Education 18(4) (https://doi.org/10.1177/14778785211003770) ‘This is a timely book that brings together Ann Margaret Sharp’s most significant work, including some material not published before, and clearly shows its enduring importance and influence.’ – Richard Smith, Professor of Education, University of Durham, UK ‘Ann Margaret Sharp was a founding figure of the Philosophy for Children movement, a leading theorist of the classroom community of inquiry, and a spirited and dedicated teacher educator. To those who knew and worked with her, and to thousands around the world who were influenced by her work, she embodied the special joy that comes with practicing philosophy in community. Finally, there is an anthology of Sharp’s work that not only captures the wide-ranging scope and depth of her thought, but also helps establish her rightful place alongside Lipman and Freire as one of the most important global educators of the last half century.’ - Darryl M. De Marzio, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Foundations of Education and Chairperson of the Education Department, University of Scranton, USA 'The book is unique in that it is the first publication to offer an anthology of selected articles by Ann