I'd bhe interested, and the Thaetetus is a good one. It would bring me bacxk to my old philosophy undergrad and grad days.
Bonnie Odiorne, Post University


----- Original Message ----
From: "Taylor, Jackie" <jataylor at utk.edu>
To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List <professionaldevelopment at nifl.gov>
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:54:02 PM
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2346] Re: Questioning and DiscussionStrategies for Practicing Critical Thinking


Hello Heather,
I appreciate your calling this to our attention. My intention in sharing the resources was not to suggest that Socrates and his work could be encompassed within a Wikipedia definition and a sample list of questions. Nor (for that matter) did I mean to suggest that Brookfield and his work could be encompassed in workshop materials. My intention always is to open the door for more sharing, critique, and further investigation. And I think that’s what happens; at least that’s what I see from over here.
 
But your point is well-taken and I am glad you raised it. I don’t think we should ever get comfortable but instead always probe, put forth new or better resources, share our perspectives, question and make meaning. 
 
That said, did you object to the Wikipedia definition on Socratic questioning? If so, what was wrong with it? For example, do you have views on the source? Also, you said that:
 
“…if you truly want to understand Socratic dialogue, you can only go to the source, Plato. Read a Socratic dialogue and let's discuss.”
 
I’d be glad to do that. Some other subscribers on the list may be interested, too. Does one need to read Greek or are there translations that are acceptable? If so, which ones? Also, could you suggest an order of readings for novices (like me)?
 
As I mentioned earlier this week, I think it would be worthwhile to explore techniques for facilitating dialogue and debate. Such discussion would offer opportunities to practice the very skills while we learn about them (and to me that sounds like fun!). But I wouldn’t think that anyone is settling for less. I think I can safely say that we hunger for more.
 
I look forward to learning what you (and others) think.
 
Thanks again, Jackie
 
Jackie Taylor 
jataylor at utk.edu 
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