Philosophy And Video Games. For Real.
Okay, so when people hear the word “philosophy”, they don’t automatically think of digital media, or video games. They think Philosophy is too old a practice to blend into modern amusements (or distractions) like video games, that it’s too closely tied to reading and discussion, too wrapped up in looooong essays with indecipherable language. Chances are, if this is what philosophy means to you, then you’ve probably never tried it with a kid. There are a host of reasons why philosophy, particularly philosophy for children, can and should include gamified, digital learning.
Here are a handful of important ones:
1. For better or for worse (and we happen to think it’s mostly for better), 21st century learners are completely comfortable with digital materials and games. Video games as familiar and welcoming as any other media, and children don’t second guess their ability to navigate them. In fact, they’re quite discerning about which ones they use. For us, including video games in our offerings is simply a matter of meeting young thinkers where they’re at.
2. As a wise person once said, “The medium is the message.” It’s true that philosophical thinking feels different in a digital setting, but we think that can be a good thing. A large part of a philosopher’s job is to examine big questions from as many different perspectives as they can. New media brings new answers to these questions.
3. Practically speaking, video games, and the devices on which they’re played, are portable. Young thinkers can sneak in a little philosophy anywhere, anytime. We’re big fans of the notion that philosophy could become much more convenient, and consequently, happen more frequently.
4. Video games are shareable, as philosophy should be. A parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend who asks “What are you playing?” can easily engage in discussion and try philosophy for themselves.
5. Video games are accessible. There’s really no such thing as a typical learner, and providing different learning experiences is key to drawing in as many different minds as possible. If reading, writing, and discussion aren’t a kid’s cup of tea, then video games may help to bridge the gap. If they’re on the younger end of things, there’s room for them in the digital sphere long before they learn to read and write.
6. Video games are fun. That’s why they’re popular, and why they’ve stuck around for so long. Philosophy might not have the same reputation for being fun, but maybe it should. Maybe we should be encouraging thinkers of all ages to find pleasure in asking big questions, and inviting them to play with ideas.
None of this is to say that the discussion portion of philosophy can be replaced by video games, nor do we think that big questions should begin and end with the turning on/off of a device. Video games may just be a jumping off point, a source of inspiration, and a reminder to keep inquiring and keep thinking, and that’s fine. We see them as an opportunity to start conversations, and to invite a wide variety of minds to participate. Philosophy may be waaaaaay to big to just be about video games, but there’s no reason why they can’t still be combined into something wonderful.
We love the challenge of constantly finding new ways to inspire dialogue and inquiry. If you’re wondering what philosophy looks like in video game form, check out our apps!
