Interview with Dr Derek Barter by Dr David O’Brien As part of my reflection on the role of philosophy in education, I recently spoke with Dr Derek Barter about his views on the matter. This year and last year, I undertook some teaching work for Derek with the ComMUniversity and MU Department of Adult and Community Education. The experience was an enlightening one––it was not only both personally rewarding and intellectually stimulating, but also hugely enjoyable. The experience revealed tome an approach to education and learning that seemed very much to align with my own values and views on the matter, and––perhaps more pertinently–– convinced me ofthe very pressing need forphilosophy and critical thinking as an essential part of the Irish education system.