2. Oracle at Delphi

3. The reason I am smarter than
anyone else is because I know
I know nothing.

4. SOCRATIC SEMINAR

5. SOCRATIC SEMINARS ARE:
COLLECTIVE INQUIRY
AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS
NOT A TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION
WITHOUT “RIGHT” ANSWERS

6. DIALOGUE SOCRATIC SEMINAR:
The goal is an enlarged, shared understanding of ideas, issues, or values through
DIALOGUE

7. WHAT IS DIALOGUE?
It is NOT
DEBATE

8. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE IS COLLABORATIVE DEBATE IS OPPOSITIONAL
Multiple sides work toward shared understanding
Two opposing sides try to prove each other wrong

9. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE In DIALOGUE In DEBATE One listens One listens
To understand
To make meaning
To find common ground
One listens
To find flaws
To spot differences
To counter arguments

10. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE DEBATE
Reveals assumptions for examination and reevaluation
Defends assumptions as truth

11. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE DEBATE Creates an open-minded attitude:
an openness to being wrong
An openness to change
Creates a close-minded attitude:
A determination to be right

12. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE In DIALOGUE In DEBATE
One submits one’s best thinking, expecting other people’s reflections will help improve it, rather than threaten it
One submits one’s best thinking and defends it against challenge to show that it is right

13. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE DEBATE
Calls for temporarily suspending one’s beliefs
Calls for investing wholeheartedly in one’s beliefs

14. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE in DIALOGUE In DEBATE
One searches for strengths in all positions
One searches for weaknesses in the other position

15. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE DEBATE
Respects all the other participants and seeks NOT to alienate or offend
Rebuts contrary positions and may belittle or deprecate other participants

16. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE DEBATE
Assumes that many people have pieces of answers and that cooperation can lead to greater understanding
Assumes a single right answer that somebody already has

17. DIALOGUE AND DEBATE DIALOGUE DEBATE Remains open-ended.
Demands a conclusion.

18. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
INNER CIRCLE
OUTER CIRCLE
SPEAKING
OBSERVING
ONE EMPTY SEAT
To allow an observer the
Opportunity to join the
Inner circle and participate

19. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
Inner Group #1 – discusses the topic for 15 minutes
Outer Group #1 – May enter discussion by posing questions and assertions to inner participants based upon their outer circle tasks notes. This involves both circles and lasts 10 minutes
Inner Group #2 – assumes the inner circle seats and discusses same or new topic for 15 minutes
Outer Group #2 – gets to enter discussion for the following 10 minutes based on outer circle task sheet notes
This leaves approximately 10 minutes for a wrap up of key points

20. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
OTHER
COMPONENTS
PARTICIPANTS
LEADER
TEXT
All participants read the text in advance.
QUESTIONS
Prepare open-ended questions in advance that reflect genuine curiosity, and have no ‘one right answer’!

21. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
OTHER
COMPONENTS
DON’T RAISE HANDS
LISTEN CAREFULLY
WAIT FOR YOUR TURN- BE SENSITIVE AND DO NOT INTERRUPT OTHERS
ADDRESS ONE ANOTHER RESPECTFULLY

22. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
OTHER
COMPONENTS
ADDRESS COMMENTS TO THE ENTIRE GROUP ( NO SIDE CONVERSATIONS)
MONITOR ‘AIR TIME’ (NO HOGGING – LET EVERYONE HAVE A CHANCE TO SPEAK)
BASE ALL OPINION ON THE TEXT AND BE ABLE TO REFER OTHERS TO IT

23. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
OTHER
COMPONENTS
BE COURAGEOUS IN PRESENTING YOUR OWN THOUGHTS AND REASONING, BUT BE FLEXIBLE AND WILLING TO CHANGE YOUR MIND IN THE FACE OF NEW AND COMPELLING EVIDENCE

24. SOCRATIC SEMINAR GUIDELINES
OTHER COMPONENTS
Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. A seminar is not a test of memory. You are not “learning a subject;” your goal is to understand ideas, issues and values reflected in the text.
It s OK to “pass” when asked to contribute (but you need to make at least 2 comments to receive credit).
Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session
Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.
Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to.
Speak so that everyone can hear you.
YOU are responsible for the seminar. (If the seminar sucks, that’s on you; if it rocks, that’s on you too!)

25. GRADING –You will either receive or lose points for the following actions:
POSITIVE
NEGATIVE
Taking a position
Making a relevant comment
Offering evidence to support your position
Drawing another person into the discussion
Asking a clarifying question
Making an analogy
Recognizing a contradiction
Recognizing an irrelevant comment
Not paying attention (in inner or outer circle)
Interrupting the seminar
Making an irrelevant comment
Making a personal attack
Monopolizing the conversation