Revisiting Matthews’s Criticism from the Perspective of Piaget’s Genetic Epistemology

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Philosophical Studies in Education Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This study investigates the compatibility between Piaget’s theory and Children’s Philosophy, focusing on critiques by Gareth B. Matthews. It distinguishes Matthews’s interpretation of Piaget from Piaget’s epistemological orientation, arguing that Piaget’s genetic epistemology allows for a more nuanced view of children’s thinking. Through close reading of key texts, it addresses Matthews’s critiques concerning egocentrism, moral authority, and the undervaluation of fantasy. The study concludes that Piaget’s work does not exclude the possibility of children’s epistemic and moral insight, and that a dialogue between Piaget and Matthews can reveal overlooked aspects of Piaget’s theory valuable to educational philosophy.

Author

• Haoran Liu, East China Normal University