Socrates Cafe

Socrates Cafe is a movement that aims to bring philosophy to the everyday person. It was founded in 1996 by Christopher Phillips, an American author and philosopher. The concept is inspired by the Socratic method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.

History

The first Socrates Cafe was held in Montclair, New Jersey. Since then, the movement has grown significantly, with groups meeting in various locations such as libraries, bookstores, coffeehouses, and other public spaces. The goal is to create a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to discuss philosophical questions in a respectful and open-minded environment.

Format

A typical Socrates Cafe session begins with participants suggesting questions they would like to discuss. These questions can range from abstract philosophical inquiries to more practical ethical dilemmas. Once a question is chosen, the facilitator, often referred to as the "Socrates," guides the discussion by asking probing questions and encouraging participants to think deeply about the topic. The emphasis is on the process of questioning and dialogue rather than arriving at a definitive answer.

Philosophy

The underlying philosophy of Socrates Cafe is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for philosophical thought and that engaging in philosophical dialogue can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding of the world. This approach is heavily influenced by the teachings of Socrates, who believed that questioning and dialogue were essential to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

Impact

Socrates Cafe has had a significant impact on the way people engage with philosophy. It has democratized philosophical discussion, making it accessible to people who may not have formal training in the subject. The movement has also inspired similar initiatives, such as Philosophy for Children and Public Philosophy.

Books

Christopher Phillips has written several books on the subject, including:

• Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy
• Six Questions of Socrates: A Modern-Day Journey of Discovery through World Philosophy
• Socrates in Love: Philosophy for a Die-Hard Romantic

See also

• Socratic method
• Philosophy for Children
• Public Philosophy
• Christopher Phillips (philosopher)