The place of fantasy literature: experiences and challenges for teaching philosophy

Abstract

This article results from theoretical-methodological research concerning the Graduate Program Network and proposes using Fantasy Literature to teach Philosophy as a didactic tool that facilitates student learning. Fantasy Literature can be a didactic resource to foster in high school students a greater interest in Philosophy classes. Our studies were supported using the perspectives of Tzvetan Todorov and Jean-Paul Sartre about the fantasy genre. We verified the feasibility of the historical intertwining between Philosophy and Literature, as well as how this link could provide students with a philosophical awakening. As a research methodology, the case study combined with the efficient use of Fantasy Literature as a pedagogical instrument can help students better understand the philosophical concepts addressed during classes. This exploratory bibliographic research helped us develop a study within the qualitative research model. The objectives are to investigate the teaching of Philosophy in Brazil; describe the connection between Literature and Philosophy, as well as the positive influence of this relationship for the teaching-learning process; and verify if Fantasy Literature can contribute to the understanding of philosophical themes in the classroom.