Our First Phronesis Project,Spring 2013Engaged Philosophy/Engaged Citizens

hypothesis:student-designed philosophy curriculum focused on pragmatist, community-level social justice content, increases student-citizen identity, participation, motivation, and self-efficacy.

What if at-risk high-school students were given a chance to help organize a philosophy seminar at OSU designed just for them?

What if this seminar would give them credit for their high school diplomas?

What if the seminar encouraged them to test philosophical ideas in their communities?

What then?

Methods:

Take Phronesis Founders, L-R:

Sione FilimoehalaStephanie JenkinsSharyn CloughSean CreightonMatt Gaddis…

Add Peace Corps Alum, Ashley Eveleth

Peace Activist and PhD student, Linda Richards

…and add staff and students from the alternative education program at nearby College Hill High School

Stir

Results

LORENA AND ELIZABETHProject: Bullying Awareness

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis Lab

“Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be able to come to this class and learn all these amazing things.”

Phronesis Lab

JUSTINProject: Homelessness in Corvallis

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis Lab

“I like that everybody is accepting of people that come from different walks of life. The class really helps me to notice more the way I act towards others.”

Phronesis Lab

BECKA AND JENNIFER

Project: Bullying Victim’s Rights

Phronesis Lab

RYANProject: Poverty and Minorities

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis Lab

“I enjoy the straight-forward approach, because it allows for openness and facilitates the idea that it is ok to talk about certain topics without feeling closed off or awkward.”

Phronesis Lab

EDENProject: Homelessness in PDX and Corvallis

Phronesis Lab

Phrōnesis Lab

DUSTINProject: Bullying Prevention

Phronesis Lab

“The class is great and I like that I can voice my opinion.”

Phronesis Lab

TENAGNEProject: Bullying at Corvallis High School

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis Lab

Out of the classroom and into the community.

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis LabExperiments in Engaged Ethics Volunteer. Fund a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. Fund a Scholarship for at-risk high-school

students. Fund Travel for our Summer Leadership

Workshop. Practice Philosophy. Test your hypotheses. Be good. Be orange.

Some of the new projects we’re working on:Can scientists be political and objective?Who counts as a “person”?What is “race” in America – why does it matter?Do we need a new environmental ethic?

Phronesis Lab

Phronesis Lab