The UK facilitators promote and support what is often called ‘neo-Socratic Dialogue’ in the tradition of German philosophers Leonard Nelson (1882-1927) and Gustav Heckmann (1898-1996). It is a method by which a group works together with a facilitator to find an answer to a well-formed philosophical question (such as: ‘What is justice?’, ‘On what occasions is it right to lie’ or ‘What is my responsibility for the future?’). The process involves collecting concrete examples relevant to the question from participants, choosing one example to work on, analysing and exploring the chosen example, articulating its core statement and then moving to consider more general principles in answer to the question. It can be very hard to answer an abstract question easily, which is why we start by examining a concrete example, before moving on to consider general principles. Participants usually find the process of exploring ideas and lines of reasoning together in a group is challenging and exciting, encouraging skills in listening, patience and collaborative working.
The Socratic method encourages reflection and independent, critical thinking. On one level, a Socratic Dialogue is a collaborative attempt to find the answer to a fundamental question. It is a form of co-operative philosophical enquiry. On another level it is entirely individual, rooted in concrete personal experience, and contributing to the formation of one’s own personal philosophy.
It is accessible to all, and no prior philosophical training is needed to participate.
The Socratic Form
A Socratic dialogue can last for many hours, or days. First we explore the question. Then through finding our personal experience we explore our understanding of the underlying presuppositions.
Choosing the Example
Critical to independent and critical thinking in Socratic Dialogue practice is to draw on our own concrete experience. To take part in this exploration, you are invited to provide a concrete example, an example from your own life which illustrates the question. Here are some simple guidelines for finding an example:
Lived – an experience lived by you.
Simple – the simpler the example the better, the fewer the avenues the example goes down the more focused the central avenue will be.
Interesting / Fruitful – an interesting example, challenging, fruitful for us to explore.
Relevant and Closed – relevant to the question, and the issues that it raises should be closed, so as not to be emotionally disturbing or distracting
Examples of SD questions
Examples of SD questions Am I entitled to give my own interest priority over that of the community?
Are there unselfish acts?
In what circumstances did I say no, and why?
What are the limits of my responsibility for others?
