Children ask big philosophical questions: Are dreams real? Do animals have feelings? Why do bad things happen? But often their thoughts and questions are not taken seriously. PLATO (Philosophy Learning And Teaching Organization) nurtures young people’s curiosity, critical thinking, and desire to explore big questions through philosophy and ethics programs for students, educators, and families.
PLATO’s work serves thousands of students, teachers, and community members nationally and internationally, fostering analytic reasoning skills, self-confidence, and understanding of diverse viewpoints. The organization provides K–12 classes that help young people discuss their questions about such topics as friendship, justice, and time. The organization also offers online programs for teachers about how to include philosophy in math, science, art, and other subjects; and support for families to inspire deeper conversations at home.
PLATO’s Philosophy Toolkit is one of the most extensive collections in the world of free resources for philosophy sessions in schools, at home, during community events, and beyond. The toolkit has more than 250 lesson plans for leading philosophical discussions with children and youth, including activities and exercises, games, and literature discussion plans, with ideas for philosophical inquiry in many school subjects, as well as ethics, philosophy of science, epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, philosophy of education, and much more.
In addition, PLATO’s Questions journal is the only journal in the world devoted to publishing young people’s philosophical work. Published annually by the Philosophy Documentation Center, the journal features short essays, discussions, drawings and photographs, multimedia projects, poetry, and other philosophical work by K–12 students of all ages. Students can download and read issue 25 on the theme “The Unknown.” Issue 26, which asks the question, “What is patriotism?” will be available this fall.
PLATO’s Ethics Bowl prepares students to appreciate the virtues of living in a deliberative democracy and nurtures habits of mind that strengthen local, national, and global citizenship. Created more than 30 years ago in a college classroom by a philosophy professor, the Ethics Bowl now engages thousands of students across the country and the world. It’s a collaborative yet competitive event like a debate. However, teams don’t take adversarial positions; rather, they work together to analyze and clarify a wide range of ethical dilemmas. Teams are judged on the quality and depth of their ethical and practical reasoning, including their ability to present coherent arguments and recognize and consider likely objections to those arguments. Teams are also evaluated on their ability to engage in ethical discussion while maintaining a collegial, respectful tone.
At the core of PLATO’s work is a desire to help young people find their way to deep engagement in and commitment to their own learning. PLATO envisions a future in which all young people confidently ask questions, express well-reasoned views, and welcome the perspectives of others. In 2023, PLATO received a national award for excellence and innovation, sponsored by the American Philosophical Association and the Philosophy Documentation Center.
In the fall of 2026, PLATO is running a yearlong initiative. Through a series of 30 events—including webinars, discussions, classes, and a biennial conference—PLATO’s 30th Anniversary Initiative invites educators, students, and communities to explore one enduring question: What are the purposes of education—historically, now, and in the decades ahead?