Study philosophy in high school: Learning about ideas and how to think

my latest in the NY Daily News

There are always going to be people with whom we will disagree on hot button issues. The majority of the students I’ve taught over the last nine years — both at the secondary and college levels — tend to take it for granted that engaging in rational discussion with such people is largely off the table. Some try to remain “civil” by avoiding discussing controversial topics altogether around those they disagree with. Others are more inclined to hostile and direct confrontation. The trouble is that many of us presume that there is little to learn from one’s opponents.

Thus the shock when I assign Socrates’ Apology at the start of my Intro to Philosophy course. Socrates, the fifth century Greek philosopher, was bestowed the title of the “wisest man in Athens” — not because he had all the answers, but because he knew that he lacked them. His intellectual humility drove him to engage in rational discussions with his opponents in the pursuit of truth rather than merely looking to confirm his own biases.

After having my students plan and engage in Socratic dialogues about controversial topics, many of them started testing out the Socratic Method with their own friends. To their surprise, it was actually possible to converse with someone relying on logic rather than on pure emotion or moralistic fervor. They were amazed that they could walk away from the conversation not only with their respect for each other intact, but also with a deeper understanding of the other — even if neither of them changed their minds.

Continue reading at the NY Daily News.

$upport CracksInPomo by choosing a paid subscription of this page, or by offering a donation through Anchor. Check out my podcast on Anchor and YouTube and follow me on Instagram and Twitter.