200 pages
226mm x 145mm
ISBN-10: 1 85856 336 4
ISBN-13: 978 1 85856 336 7
May 2004

Those who are familiar with Socratic Dialogue and those who have only recently discovered it as an approach to doing philosophy alike will find Enquiring Minds an informative text. - Analytical Teaching

...an interesting and useful text for teachers and teacher educators alike - Citizenship, Social and Economics Education
'Its clear and straightforward instructions and examples are very useful, as are the underpinning theoretical foundations based on the work of plato... reliably informs and wonderfully enthuses' - Teaching in Higher Education

This book is the first in English to set out the theoretical underpinnings of modern Socratic Dialogue as a self-directed learning process. Central to the Socratic Method are the opportunities it gives educators and others to

o learn about the Socratic Method as a new approach to their work
o foster rational critical thinking skills
o develop the learners' autonomy
o nurture emotional intelligence and qualities such as empathy

As a process of philosophising in groups, Socratic Dialogue is attracting growing interest because of its potential contribution to courses in citizenship, personal and social education, health, social work and community issues. Inspired by the philosophy of Socrates, German philosopher Leonard Nelson began to apply the Socratic Method to thinking and learning in the 1920s. By the 1950s Socratic Dialogue was being developed into a learning/teaching process, initially in Germany.

Part 1 of the book deals with theoretical aspects of Socratic Dialogue and suggests possible applications, particularly in the school sector. Part 2 presents a range of Socratic Dialogue experiences in Britain and Germany and offers guidance about the organisation, rules and phases of the Socratic process. The foundation text by Leonard Nelson makes up Part 3. There is information about organisations involved with the promotion of Socratic Dialogue in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands and a survey of relevant literature.

The book will be of interest to all those working in education, especially teachers of philosophy, ethics, religious studies and mathematics. It will provide an authoritative guide to educators who want learners to develop enquiring minds.

Dr Rene Saran is a school governor and an experienced Socratic facilitator in schools and adult education in Britain. She has published widely on education policy and management.

Dr Barbara Neisser is a teacher trainer and an experienced Socratic facilitator and edits a series in Germany on Socratic Dialogue.

Published with the Society for the Furtherance of Critical Philosophy