Socratic Dialogue Workshop

I would never dare to alarm or accuse, O patrons, but as the Greek philosopher Socrates said: the unexamined life is simply not worth living. To be sure, this is bold talk – and the jury he was speaking to put him to death. But do not lose heart; once again your local library has the antidote. Cuyahoga Community College’s own Professor Kerry Tobin will be leading two Socratic Dialogue Workshops, first on May 23rd, and the second on July 25th. Both sessions will fall on a Saturday, and begin at 2 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room; please call ahead to register (216-226-8275 ext. 127).

We have inherited the Socratic Method from the great philosopher of ancient Athens. Unlike his rivals, the sophists, he charged nothing for his services, and yet he had a devoted band of youths who would accompany and engage him in continuous debate. This group included a young playwright who immediately abandoned his craft after meeting the philosopher, although his dramatist background would resurface in the writing of dialogues. This playwright was the philosopher Plato, our greatest historical source for the philosophical thought of Socrates.

Socrates considered it his ethical imperative to edify his fellow citizens, insisting that they defend their ethical convictions. He grudgingly acknowledged his reputation for wisdom, but famously claimed that his true insight was recognizing how little he knew and how little of what he did know mattered. He was accused and convicted of corrupting the youth of Athens and sentenced to death. This, to the dismay of his loyal followers, he accepted. Reassuring them that the truly good man cannot be harmed in life or death, he calmly drank hemlock and died. In Socrates we find a martyr for thought itself and an inspiration for every curious soul. Do not shirk your ethical duty: come to the library today and check out one of Plato’s dialogues – and register for the workshop!