Aims and objectives
FAPSA aims to assist its affiliated associations to promote the widespread practice of critical, creative and reflective thinking by supporting the teaching of philosophy in schools.
Among the Federation’s objectives are:
- to seek support from educational institutions for enriching and expanding philosophy education in schools in Australasia;
- to promote collaborative, inquiry-based learning through philosophy in the classroom, including through the ‘community of inquiry’ pedagogy;
- to advocate in matters of national and international interest which impact on philosophy education in schools; and
- to seek funding for the development of classroom resources and for educational research about the theory and practice of philosophy in schools.
A complete list of the Federations’ aims and objectives is set out in its 2021 Constitution.
To achieve its objectives, FAPSA provides professional development and continuing support for teachers; maintains a professional network by organising meetings, online discussion forums and conferences; and promotes the activities of affiliated associations in national and international forums.
FAPSA also collaborates with the Australasian Association of Philosophy (AAP) which is the professional organisation of academic philosophers in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The purpose of the AAP is to promote the study of philosophy in Australasia and to co-ordinate professional activities.