Based on the ideas of German philosopher Leonard Nelson (1882-1927), and developed by the Philosophical-Political Academy in Germany, the Society for the Furtherance of Critical Philosophy in the UK, and by the Dutch Association for Philosophical Practice, under the name ‘Socratic Dialogue’, Modern Socratic Dialogue is a powerful method for doing philosophy in a group.

Who can participate in a Modern Socratic Dialogue?

All that you need to participate in a Modern Socratic Dialogue is an interest in deep questions and a willingness to discuss them openly, honestly, and with a respect for rational thought. No experience in philosophy or any other academic discipline is required. Professional groups can use the format to explore or define their values or missions.

What is distinctive about Modern Socratic Dialogue?

While the Modern Socratic Dialogue derives its name from Socrates, it is not an imitation of a Platonic dialogue and it is not simply a teaching strategy using questions and answers. It is a method of painstaking inquiry into the ideas, concepts and values which influence the real decisions we make in everyday life.

A Modern Socratic Dialogue is a collective attempt to find the answer to a fundamental question. The question is the centre of the dialogue, but rather than being discussed in the light of philosophical theory, it is exemplified in a concrete experience of one or more of the participants that is accessible to all other participants. Systematic reflection upon this experience is then the basis of the group’s search for shared judgements about the question.

The dialogue aims at consensus. This calls for effort, discipline and perseverance. Everyone’s thoughts need to be clarified in such a manner that participants understand each other fully. The discourse moves slowly and systematically, so that all participants gain insight into the content of the dialogue. Participants can also engage in meta-dialogue, which is about the process and strategies of the dialogue.

Each Modern Socratic Dialogue focuses on one topic. Examples of suitable topics include:

·         What is of fundamental importance in life?

·         What can we know?

·         What is human dignity?

·         Are there any fundamental human rights?

·         What can we learn from human suffering?

·         What is interpersonal love?

·         What do we understand by ‘Education’?

·         What (in a caring profession) is ‘caring’?

In professional contexts a group may have a preliminary meeting with the facilitator in order to define a topic most relevant to its own concerns.

Although the practice in Europe is mostly to run dialogues over a weekend or even a week, a useful dialogue can be conducted in one day or over several evenings. Dialogue groups should be no larger than twelve and no smaller than six.

What can be gained from participating in a Modern Socratic Dialogue?

Modern Socratic Dialogue can be of value to anyone with an interest in philosophical thinking or in clarifying concepts and values, whether mature adults, students of any discipline, professionals in the public or private sectors such as teachers, nurses, managers, or corporate bodies. The benefits are manifest both in individuals and in groups. By drawing upon the experiences and insights of the group, an understanding can be achieved which is deeper and more authentically one’s own than is usually gained from more theoretical approaches. Apart from the pleasure of conceptual understanding for its own sake, such insight can also be of importance in reflecting upon one’s own life, professional practice, and values.

Moreover, the value of the Modern Socratic Dialogue arises as much from its processes as from its outcomes. The painstaking process of inquiry which it engenders develops one’s skills in intellectual discussion and broadens one’s experience of human life. It is an experience of what philosophy at its best can be. This is an especially valuable experience for students of philosophy at all levels, as well as for anyone with an interest in philosophy.

In a professional or corporate context, Modern Socratic Dialogue can be of value to individuals in that it leads to reflection upon professional experience and goals and the consolidation of commitment, and it can be of value to both public sector and private sector organisations in that it can lead to a finer definition of institutional missions and to the enhancement of professional collegiality. The exploration of ethical dilemmas in professional contexts is another area in which Modern Socratic Dialogue is especially effective.

Modern Socratic Dialogue as research

Scholarly research into values and concepts often takes the form of questionnaires and surveys, or of focus groups which ask people what their attitudes are to a given issue or what they would do in a given hypothetical scenario. Modern Socratic Dialogue can be used as a form of grounded, qualitative research which explores the implicit and explicit attitudes that people hold more deeply by exploring real judgements and actions.

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