The discipline of team learning starts with ‘dialogue,’ the capacity of members of a team to suspend assumptions and enter into a genuine ‘thinking together.’ To the Greeks dia-logos meant a free-flowing of meaning through a group, allowing the group to discover insights not attainable individually.

(Peter M. Senge, 1990. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York: Random House.1990, p. 10)

 

Modern Socratic Dialogue

Modern Socratic Dialogue is a powerful method for doing philosophy in small groups that was developed by the German philosopher, Leonard Nelson (1882-1927).

Modern Socratic Dialogue is a methodical and rewarding inquiry into the ideas, concepts, and values which influence the real decisions we make in everyday life. It is not simply a teaching strategy using questions and answers.

A fundamental question is the centre of the dialogue and is explored through a concrete experience of one or more of the participants. Systematic reflection upon this experience is then the basis of the group’s search for a shared answer to the question.

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.

The dialogue aims at consensus. 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.

Dialogue groups are no larger than twelve and no smaller than six.

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 goals.

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, or managers, or corporate bodies. The benefits are manifest in individuals and in groups.

 

Modern Socratic Consultants

 

Using the Modern Socratic Dialogue method, Modern Socratic Consultants can provide the following services:

·          Development of Visions and Goals
for an organisation facing change or reviewing its positioning in its field of activity. This can be achieved through Modern Socratic Dialogue with small groups of executives or other personnel.

·          Policy Development
requires the ability to articulate the values and goals that members of executive teams and professional organisations hold implicitly. Modern Socratic Dialogue is a uniquely powerful preliminary to policy discussions.

·          Conflict Resolution
is required when conflict becomes intractable or policy discussions reach an impasse because of the hidden assumptions of the executive or management group. Modern Socratic Dialogue has proven its worth in breaking through such logjams.

·          Organisational Cultural Change
is often required in the context of amalgamations, takeovers, or downsizing, Australian Dialogue Consultants can provide structured discussion facilitation to develop and adapt the way your people think.

·          Team Building
and the development of shared outlooks and collegiality can be aided by sustained discussion about values, the aims of an organisation, or even a broad philosophical topic.

·          Ethics and Integrity Training
is an important response to the increasing pressure on organisations in today’s environment to take account of ethical standards and compliance. Australian Dialogue Consultants can increase your staff’s awareness of the ethical requirements of your workplace.

·          Pre-Conference Workshops
can be held prior to the meeting of your professional organisation, at which delegates can spend a day or two in intense discussion of their professional experiences along with their impact on commitment and motivation.

 

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