philosophical walks
a method of philosophical practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12957/childphilo.2026.95451Keywords:
philosophical practice, philosophical walk, conceptualization, environment, embodimentAbstract
The philosophical walk is a recent addition to the spectrum of philosophical methods. Philosophical walks are a practice through which people of all ages — from children to adults — not necessarily trained in or familiar with academic philosophy can engage in philosophy through the simple act of walking. This article is based on an interview with Peter Harteloh, a philosophical practitioner well known for his philosophical walks. The interview was conducted by Chiaki Tokui during the 18th International Conference on Philosophical Practice (ICPP). Harteloh started a private philosophical practice in the city of Rotterdam (The Netherlands) in 2007 with a focus on individual consultations, Socratic group dialogue, courses on the art of living and philosophical walks. He has conducted philosophical walks in many countries all over the world and developed a method for it consisting of nine steps. The interview will examine the nine steps of this method in more detail and address the philosophical background, the development of the method, the characteristic features of Harteloh’s walks, and its application to the philosophy for children. An experience of Chiaki participating in a walk completes the interview and will lead to some conclusions on walking as philosophical practice.
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Copyright (c) 2026 chiaki tokui, peter harteloh
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