Philosophy class begins at just 15

EDUCATION minister Luc Chatel says today’s “worrisome world of globalisation” needs philosophy, so French 15-year-olds will debate Descartes and Socrates in a pilot scheme for 250 schools.

Pupils already get philosophy classes at 17, but Mr Chatel said globalisation “causes people to turn inwards”.

He set in motion plans for 15-year-olds to be taught philosophy relating to literature and science during their two free group periods.

There will be no chance in the courses already offered to 17-year-olds, but Simon Perrier of the Association of Philosophy Professors said pupils would “gain a higher level of knowledge”.