Unit One: Socrates and the Socratic Discussion
Socrates and the Socratic Discussion
Target Objectives
- Users will understand the basic components and principles of a Socratic Discussion.
Unit Objectives
· Understand information about Socrates and his philosophic methods
· Be able to identify basic components of a Socratic Discussion
Lesson One: Socrates and His Philosophic Methods
Socrates is a well-known ancient Greek philosopher. His ideas and beliefs about thought are said to have “laid the groundwork for Western systems of logic and philosophy.” [1] Socrates did very little debating and expressing of his own ideas, instead his major philosophic method was forming a series of questions and listening to others discuss these questions. His method is described in the short video from Biography, “he did little talking, instead his method was to ask a series of questions thus encouraging his students to think for themselves. In this way both teacher and student gained insight into the human condition.” [2]
His students wrote many of Socrates’ methods and philosophical ideas down, the most famous being Plato. Socrates saw learning and debate as a way to expand your own mind. He believed learning was for personal growth and development. Because of this, very little is known about the man. Any information about his life, views, and philosophies are known through third-party sources because he believed that his theories and thoughts were personal and not for the development of others.
For a more extensive study of the life, views, beliefs, and philosophies of Socrates see the additional references below.
Socrates’ Philosophy: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/socrates/ [4]
Life and Work of Socrates: http://www.biography.com/people/socrates-9488126 [1]
Questions for Discussion and Reflection
1. How does learning more about Socrates and his philosophy impact your initial understanding of Socratic Discussions?
2. What value can be found from understanding the background and history of this teaching tool?
Lesson Two: The Socratic Discussion
Socrates believed that a lecture format was not an effective way to teach. He believed that learners had it within themselves to harness their opinions and knowledge and through communication of ideas were best able to learn and expand their minds. The Socratic Discussion (also called a Socratic Seminar) uses these methods to create a unique tool in the classroom that helps students and learners to engage in effective conversation. A Socratic Discussion is a format where a series of open-ended questions is examined, first individually, by students, and then discussed.
Elfie Israel summarizes this way: “The Socratic Seminar is a formal discussion, based on a text, in which the leader asks open-ended questions. Within the context of the discussion, students listen closely to the comments of others, thinking critically for themselves, and articulate their own thoughts and their responses to the thoughts of others. They learn to work cooperatively and to question intelligently and civilly.” [3]
Basic Components of a Socratic Discussion
Facilitator
Participants (at least 3 needed – theoretically no maximum number of participants, however, a smaller group of no more than 10 would work best)
Observers (no maximum number)
Base text
Open-ended Questions
Tool for evaluation and reflection
Questions for Discussion and Reflection
1. Why should there be a limit to the number of participants in this format of discussion? What are the benefits and weaknesses of having a large number of participants?
2. Thinking ahead – how could you design this format so it would work in your classroom?
References
[1] "Socrates Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013. <http://www.biography.com/people/socrates-9488126>.
[2] "Socrates - Questioning Philosopher." Socrates.Videos. Biography, n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. <http://www.biography.com/people/socrates-9488126/videos/socrates-questioning-philosopher-19747907981>.
[3] Israel, Elfie. “Examining Multiple Perspectives in Literature.” In Inquiry and the Literary Text: Constructing Discussions n the English Classroom. James Holden and John S. Schmit, eds. Urbana, IL: NCTE, 2002. 89. Print.
[4] Nails, Debra. "Socrates." Stanford University. Stanford University, 16 Sept. 2005. Web. 07 Dec. 2013. <http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/socrates/>.