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manipulative

Ssarah

Member
Persian
Hello,

This is from the book, Philosophy in the Classroom, by Matthew Lipman:

"The merit of philosophy for children is that it allows the Classroom to become a forum for an airing of issues relevant to children's own problems, diverse enough so that the appeal is not just to the manipulative aspect of a child's intelligence, but to the contemplative and creative aspects as well."

Can "manipulative" mean "practical"? If not, what does it mean here?!

Thanks
The WRF definition of manipulative is helpful: http://www.wordreference.com/definition/manipulative

The author has contrasted "manipulative" with "contemplative" and "creative" aspects; that's what makes "manipulative" hard for me to understand. Besides, it should be a positive concept, because the author thinks that the appeal is to it.

I doubt between these two meanings:

  • (transitive) to handle or use, esp with some skill, in a process or action
  • to negotiate, control, or influence (something or someone) cleverly, skilfully, or deviously
Besides, it should be a positive concept, because the author thinks that the appeal is to it.
THe author is not saying that the manipulative aspect is appealing (attractive); he's saying that philosopy is attractive to that aspect of the child's mind. The part of the child's mind that likes to influence others is attracted to the study of philosophy.
I think "manipulative" here is being used in the sense:

to handle or use, esp with some skill, in a process or action (from the link above). I don't think it has to do with being manipulative of other people.

I would see it as including the skills the child learns in order to manipulate numbers, for example. "Practical" would indeed come close to what is meant. I agree, it sounds like a positive skill.
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