Mexico’s Secretary of Public Education Participates in National Congress on Philosophy in 21st Century High School
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico, participated in the National Congress titled “The Necessity of Philosophy in High School of the 21st Century.” Delgado Carrillo highlighted the significance of teaching philosophy in high school as a crucial tool for nurturing critical citizens.
Why is Philosophy Essential in High School Education?
Delgado Carrillo stressed that philosophy is vital for developing critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity, and encouraging doubt among students. He believes that individuals who excel in various fields—such as scientists, engineers, lawyers, artists, and politicians—possess a strong foundation in philosophy because they can think critically, discern right from wrong, and have a keen sense of social awareness.
The Role of Values in Education
According to Delgado Carrillo, education should be grounded in values like fraternity, justice, and solidarity. He praised Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as an exemplary figure of education with a strong social commitment. He stated, “A woman with these values and the capacity for indignation now leads Mexico’s transformation.”
Education for Integral Development
Delgado Carrillo emphasized that education must be linked to economic evolution and facilitate labor insertion. However, he also stressed the importance of forming not just skilled workers but engaged, participative, and socially responsible citizens with love for their country and the environment.
Support from SEP’s Subsecretary
Tania Rodríguez Mora, the Subsecretary of Middle-Level Education, echoed Delgado Carrillo’s views and acknowledged the commitment of the SEP and participants in preserving and strengthening philosophy teaching in high schools.
Philosophy’s Transformative Power
Rodríguez Mora highlighted that philosophy can transform social and environmental relationships, advocating for an inclusive justice principle that extends to all living beings. She urged philosophical thinking to extend beyond human-centric perspectives.
Experts’ Perspectives
Jorge Enrique Linares, President of the Mexican Philosophical Association, emphasized that teaching philosophy is crucial for revealing the flawed and repressive nature of various discriminatory practices. He explained that philosophical disciplines empower individuals to critically evaluate technological revolutions, tackle complex ethical issues, analyze ideologies, and comprehend the roles of science and technology in society.
International Recognition
Gabriel Vargas Lozano, President of the International Federation of Philosophy Societies’ Teaching Commission, acknowledged SEP’s sensitivity in allowing the philosophical community to share insights with educational communities. He noted that recognizing philosophy’s importance fulfills the right to education, especially for adolescents navigating challenging transitions and representing the hope and future of the country.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is Mario Delgado Carrillo emphasizing philosophy in high school education? A: Delgado Carrillo believes that teaching philosophy is essential for nurturing critical thinking skills and fostering well-rounded, socially responsible citizens.
- Q: What values should education be based on, according to Delgado Carrillo? A: Education should be grounded in values like fraternity, justice, and solidarity.
- Q: How does philosophy contribute to integral development? A: Philosophy helps link education to economic evolution, facilitates labor insertion, and promotes the formation of engaged, participative, and socially responsible citizens.
- Q: What role does philosophy play in transforming social and environmental relationships? A: Philosophy has the power to transform social and environmental relationships by advocating for inclusive justice principles that extend to all living beings.
- Q: Why is recognizing philosophy’s importance crucial in education? A: Recognizing philosophy’s importance fulfills the right to education, particularly for adolescents navigating challenging transitions and representing the hope and future of the country.
