Turning Points: A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 1/29, 4-5pm
Inspired by Socrates' famous conversations with his friends in the marketplace of 5th century Athens, students engage in spirited discussions of ideas and issues. Socratic conversations range broadly and probe deeply into the basic challenges of life. They are informed by the latest literature for reference and follow up. While building a sense of community on campus, these meetings enliven the intellectual atmosphere and model dialogue and discussion as modes of inquiry.
What's Your Responsibility? A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 1/22, 4-5 pm
Explore several situations in which you must make an ethical decision. Will you "do the right thing"? On what basis will you decide? How do your criteria compare to those of others?
- What will you do about a friend you know is cheating in their coursework?
- One of your favorite public figures is arrested and accused of a discreditable and illegal act -- what's your response?
- You see a nanny in the park who seems to be mistreating her charges? What do you do?
- A child in a developing country could be saved from starvation for the cost of your morning coffee? What's your responsibility?
Why Socrates? He engaged in lively, important conversations, exemplifying the values of dialogue and discussion. Socrates is an iconic figure in Education - but he transcends the profession in Western intellectual history.
Turning Points: From Personal to Political: A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 1/29, 4-5 pm
Do you feel that you are at, are nearing, a Turning Point in your life -- in your relationships, career, intellectual development, or political convictions? Are you seeing some significant changes as possible, perhaps likely, maybe even inevitable.
Certainly, our society is experiencing Turning Points in many sectors and dimensions, and these changes are profoundly impacting our individual lives.
Come share your thoughts:
- What kind of turning points have you experienced in your life and career, and what have you learned from how you handled them?
- What attitudes and ideas about turning points does our culture instill in us, through the media, education, and the family?("Nobody loves change except a crying baby.")
- Are there principles, values, or strategies do you find are helpful in navigating such turning points?
- How can we obtain help in coping with our own turning points, and how can we be most useful to others, personally and professionally?
Why Socrates? He spent his life in dialogues that led people to changes in their thinking, action, and values.
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These highly-participatory conversations with fellow students are moderated by Ronald Gross, author of
Socrates' Way and Co-chair of the
University Seminar on Innovation in Education. They are part of a year long series of Socratic Conversations hosted by the Gottesman Libraries.
To assure yourself a spot, complete with diet hemlock and cookies, please RSVP to libary@tc.edu.
Next session: Thursday, 2/12, 4pm, Topic:
Relationships 3.0
Where: Second Floor Salon
