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WHO ARE YOU ?
 


SOCRATIC METHOD OF GROUP DIALOGUE

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    The discussion process is defined in two books, Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, by Christopher Phillips (2001) and Socratic Circles, by Matt Copeland(2005). The Socratic dialogue process used in STEPPINGSTONES discussions is patterned after a type of philosophy that Socrates and other philosophers practiced in Athens in the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.  He asked questions in order to make people think about their personal beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that they often “took for granted.” 

    The Socratic method of group dialogue is a way for ADOLESCENTS (13-18) to seek and find insights and truths “by their own lights.” Moreover, Socrates believed that we only discover what we as individuals truly think and feel about something is known by engaging in constructive and empathetic discourse with others.

    This Socratic questioning method, called elenchus, is a form of self inquiry that reveals people to themselves.  It enables a person not only to know themselves more truthfully, but also to work toward realizing one’s true human potential through an authentic self expression that also creates an environment of peace and cooperation.

    The key maxim underlying this process is: "an unexamined life is not worth living."  By encouraging children to talk about their daily activities, responsibilities, and relationships , these pragmatic concerns and issues serve as the "grist for the mill" in group discussion.

    For example, discussion topics can vary from homework to chores, from sports to music, from science to philosophy, from sexuality to politics, from money to friends.

   Adolescents are guided not only the adult facilitator,
but also by other group members to re-examine, and perhaps re-define their personal Truth:
 a self-determined understanding
of their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.


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THE KEY PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS:
A Skeletal Outline

BEING
    1.   What is the "nature" of existence?
    2.   Why does your "existence" begin and end?
    3.   What is the purpose of your "existence?"

KNOWING
    1.  What is it that you can "know?"
    2.  "How" do you "know" what you know?
    3.  How "certain" are you about what you know?

DOING
   1.   What "truths" guide your daily "doing?"
   2.   How do you "choose" to live by them?
   3.   What are the "consequences" of your "doing?"
 
 

DISCOVER AND EXPRESS YOUR AUTHENTIC S(s)ELF