Seen and Not Heard

How might society benefit if children were recognized as independent thinkers, capable of seeing clearly and contributing in valuable ways to our world? How would children’s lives change if what they said was not often ignored or patronized? In the United States and around the world, ageism remains a widespread prejudice, leading us to make assumptions about, dismiss, and underestimate the perspectives of people of particular ages, including children. Before they utter a word, their voices are judged as less important than those of adults, or as not important at all. In a series of conversations with children about many of life’s important philosophical questions, Seen and Not Heardreveals children as perceptive and original thinkers. Guided by discussions about the meaning of childhood, friendship, justice and fairness, happiness, and death, the book invites us to rethink our beliefs about children and become more receptive to the ways we can learn from the children in our lives.

American society tends to stereotype children based on developmental preconceptions. These societal norms create a disadvantage for children, according to which they are not perceived as independent thinkers. Mohr Lone presents the prospect of children's capacity for metacognition in this must-read volume for practitioners and scholars in the field of child development. Based on 25 years of research, Mohr Lone records conversations with elementary-school children between the ages of 5 and 12. Topics range from the meaning of emotions to friendship, political issues, and even death, as the book effectively illustrates and compares thought from philosophy, sociology, psychology, and educational theory. Each chapter opens with a thoughtful quote from a notable children's author, scholar, or proverb. Throughout, Mohr Lone explores the possibility of children as valuable contributors to society and calls for an appreciation of children's perceptions to advocate for the "best possible educational structures and environments" (p. 23). This book profoundly declares how reciprocal respect can exist between adults and children, enabling each group to learn from the other. Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.-- "Choice Reviews", At once a testament to children's thoughtfulness and a passionate argument for honouring their agency as knowers, Lone's book promises to appeal to a large audience. Educators should be inspired by children's ability to tackle complex issues and may decide to integrate more intellectual discussions in their teaching as a result.-- "Philosophy of Education", Evoking the old saying that 'children should be seen and not heard', Jana Mohr Lone's new book presents a powerful case for not merely hearing--but more, for listening to - children.-- "Journal of Philosophy in Schools", In its in-depth chapters, her book demonstrates that children can formulate innovative principles that lead to original ideas and solutions that can be used, in my opinion, on a national or international level to respond to questions that are generally only addressed by adults, scientists, academics, and technology experts.-- "Childhood & Philosophy", Seen and Not Heard is organized into an introduction and seven chapters (Not heard, Childhood, Friendship, Political voices, Happiness, Death, and Listening1). Epistemic justice, or its lack, is just one of the themes that I think the reader will internalize as they read Lone's work of praxis. The reader will also appreciate the breadth and depth of Jana Mohr Lone's reading. It is inspiring without being intimidating.-- "Analytic Teaching and Philosophical Praxis"

Jana Mohr Lone has spent 25 years talking with children about their questions and ideas. She is the director of the Center for Philosophy for Children and Affiliate Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Washington, and author of The Philosophical Child, which has been translated into four languages, co-author of Philosophy in Education: Questioning and Dialogue in Schools, and co-editor of Philosophy and Education: Introducing Philosophy to Young People.