A group of MPs from several parties have submitted a parliamentary proposal that encourages philosophy to be a required course in primary and secondary schools.
The proposal in question was submitted by Þór Saari (the Movement), Álfheiður Ingadóttir and Árni Þór Sigurðsson (the Leftist-Greens), Ólína Þorvarðardóttir and Sigmundur Ernir Rúnarsson (the Social Democrats), Lilja Mósesdóttir (formerly Leftist-Green, now with her own party; Solidarity).
It implores the Minister of Culture and Education to examine the coursework of both primary and secondary schools in order to draw up a plan for making philosophy a required course in these schools within the next four years.
The reasoning behind the proposal cites the parliamentary investigative report “Ethics and Work Habits in Connection with the Fall of Icelandic Banks 2008”. The proposal states that teaching philosophy to children is a necessity, to convey a sense of right and wrong and a duty to society, but as well to promote critical thinking skills. With these tools, children can grow into adults who become active participants in democracy.
The proposal, originally conceived by Þór Saari, was first submitted at this time last year, but was defeated.
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