Socrates

In brief: background, role play, question cards activity

Some notes on Socrates -Most of what we know about him is from his students – focused on the examination of ethics and virtue – believed the best way for people to live was to focus on self-development rather than the pursuit of material wealth – said his wisdom was limited to an awareness of his own ignorance The “Socratic Method” To solve a problem, it would be broken down into a series of questions The answers to which gradually distill the answer you seek. "I know you won't believe me, but the highest form of Human Excellence is to question oneself and others."

Socratic teaching methods avoid simply the transference of knowledge from teacher to learner, and instead revolve around guiding learners to answer their own questions, to acknowledge their limitations and constantly question themselves, their abilities and extend their knowledge. __ “**Teacher Watch**” __ (//File image of Athenian youth – read image on board//): Yeah, I’ve listened to this teacher Socrates, he didn’t tell us anything! Teachers are supposed to tell us stuff, give us the answers! All he did was ask questions! We had to do all the thinking! ** News anchor ** : Teacher Watch were part of an enraptured audience in central Athens when Socrates was teaching recently. See how the story unfolds and indeed, all he does is ask questions. ** Questions ** : as an activity, each table of people can discuss a different Socratic style question about the role play. If we have ten tables, perhaps we can give each question out twice. I would suggest two minutes discussion in their group and one minute to give responses to the whole group.
 * **S ** ||
 * [[image:http://www.mrdowling.com/images/701olympics.gif width="300" height="301" align="right" caption="The Greek poli participated in the Olympics"]]ocrates **
 * News anchor ** : Today we are awaiting the verdict of the trial of controversial teacher Socrates. Socrates has steered our youthful Athenian men from innocent boys to corrupt their minds with his so-called teachings.
 * Socrates ** : You are offered a chariot for 5 pieces of silver, even though you know it is worth eight. You know it is not the seller’s to offer. What do you do?
 * Athenian youth ** : I would buy it – what a bargain!
 * Socrates ** : What would you do if you were caught?
 * Athenian youth ** : I’d tell the guards I’d bought it with good money.
 * Socrates ** : What about facing our city officials, when they ask if you knew it was stolen?
 * Athenian youth ** : I’d say I didn’t.
 * Socrates ** : Would that be a lie?
 * Athenian youth ** : Hmm… yes, but I didn’t steal it! I still bought it!
 * Socrates ** : Why would you say that?
 * Athenian youth ** : I’d be afraid of them locking me up and my parents disowning me.
 * Socrates ** : If you could stand back and look at yourself, lying out of fear of being caught and of humiliation for buying a chariot for less than it was worth when you knew it was stolen.
 * Athenian youth ** : Well, I don’t really like the person you painted. Perhaps I wouldn’t buy the chariot after all.
 * News anchor ** : News just in… the verdict for the trial of Socrates has been handed down and he has been found guilty of corrupting Athenian youths and interfering with the religion of the city. He has been sentenced to death by drinking hemlock. That’s all we have time for tonight. Don’t forget to vote in our Teachers’ Watch news poll: Philosophising youths… is this the end of civilisation? Good night.

This is great. This is in a ppt I've created with current affair music etc. I'll try attaching it otherwise after Claire has seen it I'll post it on the Monash site I'm trying to avoid too much sitangit and think of another activity Daryl
 * 1)  What might be a possible questioning path for Socrates if the youth’s situation was complicated by the fact that it was a friend who offered to sell him the chariot?
 * 2) ‘I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.’ Why do you think that this was a basis for Socrates’ teaching methods?
 * 3) ‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’ How do you think this fits into teaching methodology today?
 * 4) What do you believe is the difference between a teacher and a student?
 * 5) What value do you think society places on education and learning?