Why Are There No Philosophy Toys?

When children play, they’re forming interests, and the toys they play with have a sizable influence. The want-to-be engineer has Legos, and the prospective doctor has a toy stethoscope, but there's no toy encouraging children to become the next philosopher. As a result, few children know what philosophy is, let alone have an interest in it.

The growth in the technology industry seems to be largely on account of the interest children develop in the field. Building blocks, video games, and science fiction all steer children in this direction.

Philosophy, by comparison, seems to have few influences guiding children to its study. This interest, unlike the others, appears to develop at a much later stage, closer to the end of high school or early college. 

This may be less of a societal failing than we think and more a reflection of philosophy's nature.

Throughout history, several philosophers have commented on this issue, feeling that children lack the maturity to appreciate philosophy. Aristotle as one, argued that political science, and by extension philosophy, is unfitting for young children:

"Now each man judges well the things he knows, and of these he is a good judge. And so the man who has been educated in a subject is a good judge of that subject, and the man who has received an all-round education is a good judge in general. Hence a young man is not a proper hearer of lectures on political science: for he is inexperienced in the actions that occur in life, but its discussions start from these and are about these; and, further, since he tends to follow his passions, his study will be vain and unprofitable, because the end aimed at is not knowledge but action."

-- Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

He may have a point, and possibly an explanation. Technology, for example, has the simple and tangible invitation, "let's build stuff."Philosophy seems to have less appeal to younger audiences and more to older audiences.

Though children may not be ready for it yet, we can at least plant the seeds. This means cultivating a greater exposure to philosophy through movies, TV, and discussions.

Philosophy is ultimately unavoidable for anyone because it is demonstrated through one's actions. At the end of the day, it seems more favorable to contemplate a personal philosophy rather than wander through life aimlessly.