Socratic Seminar:
Civilization and Equality
Assignment Expectations:
1. Read “Erosion of Equality Text”.
2. Respond to at least two of the 5 Socratic Seminar Questions in the back of the packet.
3. Cite specific evidence from the text in your responses.
SOCRATES
Name ______________________________________________ Date _________________________________ Period _____
SOCRATIC SEMINAR
Basic Differences Between Dialogue and Debate:
Dialogue
Debate
Collaborative
Oppositional
Goal is understanding
Goal is proving other side wrong
Listening for deeper meaning
Listening for flaws
Re-evaluating assumptions
Defending assumptions
Open-minded
Close-minded
Temporarily suspending belief
All-out defending belief
Searching for strength in all
positions
Searching for weakness in opposition
Open-ended
Demands closure
Rules for Socratic Seminar
1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. A
seminar is not a test of memory. You are not "learning a
subject"; your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and
values reflected in the text.
2. Be prepared to contribute during the seminar. You won’t have
to take part in every question, but you will be required to
contribute at least twice during the seminar.
3. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.
4. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about
ideas you want to come back to.
5. Don't raise hands; take turns speaking.
6. Listen carefully.
7. Speak up so that all can hear you.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The 5 Parts of Civilization:
Questions:
1. Should inequality be the “9th element of civilization”?
Evidence in the text:
2. To what extent is life a constant struggle between continuity and
change?
Evidence in the text:
3. Will humans find a way to eliminate inequality in the future?
Evidence in the text:
4. Is the erosion of equality a turning point? Is it more important than
the Neolithic Revolution?
Evidence in the text:
5. Do you agree with Socrates that “the unexamined life is not worth
living”?
Evidence in the text:
Socratic Seminar Reflection
Opening Question(s):
1._________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Initial Response to Question:
2. Reaction: Identify what someone said; write down his/her comment. React to his/her statement.
3. Explain how the Seminar influenced your thinking about the topic or the text(s).
4. Self Assessment:
Taking a position on a question
5
4
3
2
1
Using evidence to support a position or presenting factual information
5
4
3
2
1
Drawing another person into the discussion
5
4
3
2
1
Asking a clarifying question or moving the discussion along
5
4
3
2
1
Highlighting and marking the text with questions/commentary
5
4
3
2
1