For philosopher Edwidge Chiruther, leading a child to freedom means setting the ground rules for their life in a community, anchoring their knowledge and developing their openness to the world.
Madame Figaro . – Children dream of growing up, thinking of doing what they want. Do they understand what freedom means? ?
Edwidge Chiruther. Children are first of all exposed to many vertical instructions, which are decided by parents, teachers… These are either prohibitions (“Don’t run so fast”, “Don’t climb that tree”…), or commands (“Do this , don’t do it”…). The most frequent is undoubtedly “Hurry up!” For them, freedom is a fantasy. So we adults need to make them understand that it’s more complicated than it seems. And that known boundaries, rules from which no one escapes, are essential. If we do not clearly and clearly explain the functions of boundaries, they will have the impression of being constantly obeyed. In the philosophy seminars of my classes, when I ask the children: “What are the rules for?” they generally reply, “not to get punished.” They do not understand its usefulness.
If we don’t clearly explain the functions of boundaries, children will get the impression that they are constantly being subjected to them.
Edwidge Chiruther
How to explain the need for the law to them ?
The fact that law is essential to our freedom is paradoxical and contradictory. In all activities of daily life, we could generate freedom from this perspective. On the road, in the car, freedom without rules would lead to anarchy, and therefore deprivation of freedom. We could no longer go where we wanted. Every day, through what we do with them, like making a cake, we can remind them that there are rules, including baking; if I decide to leave out the yeast, the cake will fail.” In my seminars, I start with a simple thought experiment. “Imagine we can do whatever we want…” We quickly arrive at two solutions: either chaos or injustice (because these are the strongest who win). And this last point speaks volumes for them…
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Therefore, they understand that the law protects their freedom ?
From the senior kindergarten department, they understand that the law of adults is a sign of love. » To connect with freedom, we can take as an example the limitations of art. If you give them a piece of paper and say: “Draw”, some of them will be paralyzed in front of a blank page, because you can be in conditions of too much freedom of choice. Whereas if the instructions are more precise (“Draw a character, a racing car…”), it will inspire them, free their imagination.
Fiction provides a bridge between a child’s unique, intimate experience and cold rational explanation.
Edwidge Chiruther, Philosopher
You like to start with a cultural medium, a book, a movie. For what ?
Fiction provides a bridge between a child’s unique, intimate experience and cold rational explanation. Through the mediation of the story, and therefore of the little hero, with whom he can identify, he will depart from his point of view. In addition, he will receive the message in a more horizontal way, thanks to a similar peer and often through feelings. A kind of “ghost mind” is created in him, an embryonic mind that we can encourage him to develop. For example, on the theme of freedom, if we read the parable together The wolf and the dog After La Fontaine we can discuss. which is preferred? Freedom without comfort? Or the comfort of home, but with rules? As early as 4 to 5 years old, we can tell children a youth-oriented version of Plato’s Myth of the Cave (e.g. Plato’s Cave by Bruno Jay, published by Éditions du Chevalier vert). And thus make them understand that we can be the slaves of a completely false world. And that to find the truth we must break free from our chains. If they ask, “Why do I have to go to bed?” we can encourage them to think. What would you do if you didn’t go to sleep? Until what time? What if you didn’t sleep? We can also use humor through absurdity by setting an arbitrary and meaningless rule; “Because I really want to annoy you, I’m going to ban you from sleeping today…”
From 10-12 years old, how to prevent them from becoming addicted ? We think about screens, obviously…
A health crisis that has had a major impact on teenagers has forced us all to think about freedom and slavery. The internet and social media have helped young people find a form of freedom. But it also led some to a form of slavery. So how can we address with them the theme of liberation and alienation from this period? It’s a real topic for a family debate to throw around at dinner. how addicted are we to our phones? Liked on Instagram?
How to encourage their freedom of judgment ?
I recommend watching it with the family The Truman Show, the 1998 Peter Weir film that brings a sort of cave myth to film. Truman, unwittingly the star of a reality TV movie, a completely fake but comfortable world, will free himself from his chains to discover his freedom. All who seek liberation are forced to mourn illusory but hopeful beliefs. This is the reason why freedom is in danger today. the return of the Nietzschean strongman, the pull of the extremes soothes and leads to a very dangerous ‘comfort of mind’. But above all submission. Very early, at the age of 6-7, we can make them understand that they need to participate in the life of the city to be free. Let’s take for example the voting for the position of class representative. What would happen if you didn’t vote? Wouldn’t you have to obey? They quickly realize that freedom comes through action, be it political, environmental or otherwise. To choose and be free, you have to be involved. Otherwise, we are reduced to obedience. Like children.
Edwige Chiruther is a philosopher, professor at the University of Nantes, trainer of philosophy seminars and, among others, of “New Philosophy Seminars”, Éditions Hachette Éducation, 2022.
Source: Le Figaro
