In a recent Zoom conversation, a participant mentioned that he liked to organize gatherings for those interested in the Socratic Method. Most people have an idea about the ancient philosopher, Socrates, but many might not be aware of the manner in which he promoted the inquiry into ideas. So here is a summary provided by Tobias Weaver in an article entitled The Socratic Method: Think for Yourself.
The Socratic method, also known as dialectic, is a technique of philosophical investigation that emphasizes the use of conversation and inquiry to explore difficult ideas and concepts. The Socratic approach involves participants in a process of critical thinking and self-examination as opposed to providing knowledge in a simple or didactic manner. Socrates would lead his interlocutors to examine their own presumptions, convictions, and values through a series of probing inquiries, frequently exposing contradictions or inconsistencies in their thinking.
From what I gather, the idea is to ask questions. And in doing so the audience must search out what they believe to be true. Instead of shouting people down with your ideas, ask the right questions and see where they lead the conversation.
Just for fun, I decided to give it a try. John McWhorter, a linguist from Columbia, recently posted a clip about the voice of an NPR reporter. If are not familiar with John he has a popular podcast called Lexicon Valley (check it out- you will never think of language in the same way). Members of his audience had contacted him with a query. If they did not care for the voice and language of a radio reporter, a voice with a distinctive race identity, did that make them racist?
And that is exactly what I floated across the table of seven of us as we sat on the patio nibbling on Korean tacos and Cajun chicken over pasta. It was met with a thoughtful pause. Then there were a few clarification questions as to what an ethinic voice entailed. John played clips from the NPR show which I couldn’t do so I had to settled for descriptive words. A new pause. A few words wandered in one direction and then circled back before rendering any opinion at all.
I think it worked! No one dropped the hammer on any particular nailhead because one answer is not obvious. Of course, you do not have to enjoy every broadcaster’s voice. That does not mean you reject a whole race associated with manner of speaking. But it does make you question if there are underlying biases. And thus it is worth considering.
The method makes people wonder. It makes them reconsider. It draws their thoughts through their own experiences to process them for credibility. It was fun! I think I will try the Socratic Method again sometime.
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