Friends are Electric

The purpose of a Socratic Society is to encourage the public discussion of ideas. Ideas are the foundation of democratic society. Only through public discourse can we defeat the demons of ideology and authoritarianism and reaffirm our place as citizens. This is the purpose of a Socratic Society.

University campuses have a multitude of public venues for such public discourse. These may be highly organized and structured, or they may take the form of a more organic meeting of ideas.

From my personal research, I know that many formal debate and idea societies exist around Ontario campuses. They are a start. What I imagine goes much beyond.

Instead of discussion in a closed group (however welcoming and open they are to outsiders and new members), discussion should take place in public. Public is meant in the sence of public and accessible, as such any shared space for nonexclusive use where noise is not an issue. Examples include grassy fields, cafeterias and other common spaces. Passers by aught to be invited to participate as much as possible.

In pursuit of a more organic form of conversation, the structure of formal debate must be ignored. Formal debate is a fine method of high level discourse, but is not appropriate for general public participation and tends to exclude all but a few participants from taking part. The idea of a Socratic Society aught to be inclusion of idea by discarding strict rules and formalities.

In the place of strict rules of conduct, however, other generalized rules are required. Ideology aught to be avoided, as ideologies are Utopian and are thus unattainable. Any discussion should centre around the real, physical world. Disagreement should be encouraged as it leads to discussion, however, disagreement should not lead to personal attacks.

Socrates would wander around Athens asking questions of whoever he found. He was an annoyance to the public who wanted nothing more than to be left alone and unthinking. Thought is what humans are best at. It is our responsibility to follow this path and revive the discussion of ideas in public.