A Socratic seminar is a type of formal group discussion based on Socrates’ learning and teaching methods, which are often credited with the founding of Western philosophy. A Socratic seminar, unlike most classes, is based on inquiry and discussion rather than lectures intended to directly transmit information from teacher to student. Socrates believed that teaching students to think for themselves was more effective than simply giving them information. A Socratic seminar, rather than being a situation in which one teacher gives information to students, is intended to be a discussion of a specific topic among all those present.
A Socratic seminar is usually centered on a discussion of a text, such as a book or essay. All seminar participants are required to read the text ahead of time and arrive prepared to discuss their thoughts on the subject. Because these seminars are frequently held in a classroom setting, a teacher is frequently present to facilitate the discussion. This leadership, however, is not intended to take the form of a lecture; the teacher’s role is limited to guiding the discussion to important topics and ensuring that those participating in the discussion are treating each other fairly. Before the seminar, some teachers give their students discussion questions to help guide and focus the discussion.
The goal of a Socratic seminar isn’t just to ensure that students comprehend the literal meaning of a text. Many works of literature and philosophy deal with extremely complex issues that can’t be fully understood simply reading the words on the page. The texts used in this seminar should only be used as a starting point for group discussion of the issues. Discussion of those topics, especially when they are contentious, necessitates extensive reasoning and critical thinking abilities. Participating in such seminars on a regular basis greatly aids students in developing reasoning skills that can be useful in a variety of situations.
Philosophy, sociology, and literature, for example, are more compatible with the idea of a Socratic seminar than chemistry and mathematics. Students in the sciences, in particular, must learn a great deal of information that is difficult to obtain through discussion. The humanities, on the other hand, cover a wide range of topics that are primarily based on human reason and shared human experience. As a result, a discussion among a group of people with varying perspectives and experiences can lead to some very interesting and insightful perspectives on the issues at hand.