The New Compassion: A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 4/16, 4-5 pm

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 Is Normal? A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 4/2, 4-5 pm

Socrates was widely despised as the homeliest man in Athens, because his appearance was so outside the range that was considered “normal”.

Is “normal” a useful term, or a pernicious one? Increasingly, we tend to accept differences which used to be regarded as defects. At the same time, we are increasingly capable of eradicating some of them. So how should we think about "normal"? (This Conversation complements current activities on campus: “Mind Body in Autism,” April 17-18, and events pertaining to Disabilities Awareness.)

Come share your thoughts, stimulated by viewing Chris Crocker’s U-tube video “What Is Normal?”. (Crocker’s vlog channel on MySpace is one of the all-time most-viewed.)

• Have you or someone you know suffered from being "abnormal" in any way?



• How should we respond to differences/disabilities – ours, and others?



• How can we distinguish differences from defects? How about eye-color? “Race?” “High-Functioning Autism?” Down Syndrome?



• Are “disabilities” socially-constructed? Are people “disabled” by impairments, or by our society and culture? Are we oppressed by “Ableism”?



• Should people’s “abnormalities” be “fixed,” as by cochlear implants for the deaf, or re-shaping the unusual physical movements of autistic children?



• Do we need changes in attitudes, or changes in social policy and fairness in accommodations, or both?

The New Compassion: A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 4/16, 4-5 pm

Do you think of yourself as compassionate? Do you regard compassion as an important force for good in the world – and specifically, in education?

But what is true and effective compassion? Is it merely feeling sympathy for people with troubles? NO!, contends Karen Armstrong, writing: “We've got to do better than this. Compassion doesn't mean feeling sorry for people. It doesn't mean pity. It means putting yourself in the position of the other, learning about the other. Learning what's motivating the other, learning about their grievances.”

Armstrong has launched a global movement, for which she seeks input from all of us for a world Charter for Compassion. She invites us to participate in developing a more robust, intellectually coherent vision of compassion – one strong and practical enough to bring together the world’s great spiritual traditions.

Come share your thoughts, stimulated by viewing Armstrong’s brief award-winning video recently featured on Bill Moyers’ Journal.

• How have you expressed compassion in your life and work? How have you felt that compassion has been extended to you when you needed it?



• What do we mean by compassion, and what should we mean?



• How can we overcome the conflicts between religions and creeds?



• Can and should compassion be taught, learned, or otherwise included in the process of education?

Why Socrates? He spent his life in dialogues that led people to respect 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, 5/7, 4pm, Topic: TBA

Where: Second Floor Salon