Practical Philosophy as an Educational Technology on the "In Search of Wisdom» club’s activity at the Faculty of Philosophy of Moscow State University

Philosophy for Children (P4C) as a division of Practical Philosophy is actively developing and expanding in Russia nowadays. "In Search of Wisdom" club at the Faculty of Philosophy of Moscow State University exists for more than 10 years under the guidance of Professor L.T. Retyunskykh, influencing both the development of practical philosophy in the country and the formation of critical thinking and other soft skills in adolescent children. The conducted research shows how Practical Philosophy classes within the framework of the “In Search of Wisdom” club form a set of soft skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, the ability to listen, the ability to resolve conflicts, self-organization and self-discipline, teamwork, etc., in younger, middle and senior school age. The data collected during interviews with club members and their parents illustrates how the acquired skills allow them to improve academic results in school. Also, both children and adults note the main value of classes in the way in which children begin to interact with the world around them more efficiently at all levels. The interviewees emphasize that within the framework of the classes, “skills for life” are developed, allowing children to maintain a conversation with adults and more high-ranked interlocutors (such as parents, teachers, school administration, etc.) on an equal footing and to argue their position. It is especially interesting that such manifestations are observed in children attending the club even for no more than six months.