Sir, – Recent correspondents, intent on having philosophy taught in our schools, should take note of the practice in Germany. There second-level students who have no wish to be instructed in religion are obliged to study philosophy in its stead in school. It is worth considering in an Irish context, for it would neatly give proper effect to a scarcely mentioned provision, embedded in Article 44.2.4 of our Constitution. This entitles any child attending any school in receipt of public money not to attend religious instruction at that school, and in a way which does not affect the child prejudicially. In other words, having him withdraw to the hall, corridor, etc, or making a pariah of him, consciously or unconsciously. Leaving a pupil twiddling his thumbs while religious instruction goes on all around him does not meet this constitutional imperative. – Yours, etc,
JOHN COLGAN,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – Can John Dillon (October 29th) substantiate the truth of his claim that the Catholic Church is opposed to the teaching of philosophy in schools or is it his mere opinion? – Yours, etc,
JOY POWELL,
Tallaght,
Dublin 24.
Sir, – I have recently found the reading of one particular philosopher a new enlightenment to me. I am not talking about his political thoughts, but his philosophical views. His name is Karl Marx. Why is Ireland the only country in Europe that does not do critical thinking in its schools? – Yours, etc,
PAUL DORAN,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
Sir, – I would like to commend the efforts of the Platonic Centre in Trinity College Dublin as outlined by director emeritus John Dillon and all those working to enrich the education of our young people by the expansion of philosophy within the school curriculum. It should be pointed out, however, that it would be an expansion rather than an addition.
The works of the Greek philosopher Plato can already be studied as part of Classical Studies for both the Junior and Leaving Certificate.
Philosophy represents just one element of a subject that seeks to broaden the minds and develop the critical thinking skills of its students. – Yours, etc,
IAN MAGUIRE,
Chairman,
Classical Association
of Ireland – Teachers,
Mount Merrion,
Co Dublin.