Localising Philosophy, Democratising Technology
Bringing philosophy beyond university through conversations with young people about technology, change, and the world around them.
asking big questions, together
The project challenged the idea that philosophy belongs exclusively in universities or academic texts. Bringing together final-year philosophy students and young people navigating their own transitions, interns and pupils explored questions of change, technology and belonging. As interns approached their own transitions beyond university, they explored these big questions together, connecting philosophical ideas to our shared experiences and the worlds we inhabit.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project brings art and philosophy into local schools through workshops exploring the role of technology in everyday life.
MAY
With fellow student interns, I worked with Primary 7 pupils across four Dundee primary schools, exploring transitions through philosophical dialogue, creative activities and questions about technology and belonging.
june
During transition week, pupils came together at their new secondary school. Creative bridge-building and philosophical discussion connected Dundee’s bridges with questions of change, connection and new beginnings.
November
Student interns visited the pupils,for reflective workshops, using bridges to revisit transitions and explore pupils’ experiences of moving to secondary school.
These workshops concluded the year’s programme.
“The project is crucial. In an increasingly alienated and digital world, young people need to think about, question, and navigate their worlds. This project gives them the essential tools to do exactly that.
Why this opportunity mattered to Eva
“My little brother is in primary school, and as an older sister it gives me so much hope to know kids his age are being encouraged to think about screens, technology and the consequences of the digital world.
“It’s comforting to know he’s part of a generation being taught not just how to use technology, but how to understand it.”
Read about Eva’s internship on the University of Dundee Website.
Read more about the Philosophical foundations of the project, Dr Dominic Smith.
Further reading on the project.
