What is Enlightenment?-- Calling Strong Readers with a Philosophical Streak
Read and discuss Kant's philosophical newspaper essay about thinking for yourself in this introduction to seminar learning.
Anna Josephson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Who's more enlightened than a middle schooler? Come "dare to be wise," and consider whether Enlightenment is a question of knowledge or courage, what authority is, and who gets to have it over others. In this Socratic seminar, we will read and discuss Kant's short 1784 newspaper essay, "What is Enlightenment?" Students take turns reading a few sentences aloud. We pause to make sure we grasp the vocabulary and concepts, come up with examples and counter-examples of the points of Kant's argument, and then ask if we agree with him. (The kids don't usually wait to be asked!) As we go, I help the students keep track of how Kant's argument is building, and they react to the ideas and consider the implications for modern life. This is not a lecture class. Students speak directly to each other about the reading and each other's comments. I guide the discussion, keeping it productive and focused, encouraging balanced and respectful participation, and occasionally playing devil's advocate to push their thinking.
Learning Goals
Learn the ropes of Socratic education and "close reading"-- how to equanimously engage difficult texts and spirited arguments.
Learn to probe your own thinking and politely challenge others.
Lean a little famous philosophy, perhaps the start of a lifelong interest.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I see my role as a facilitator or experienced guide, a responsible adult shepherding young people through their first taste of Aristotle, Kant, Sartre, and a dozen other authors with the power to thrill, enrage, exasperate, and transform.
But as strong as the texts are, the gift of Socratic education is the cooperative argument with the text, out loud, with peers. Classes are boisterous salons. As students get used to “close reading”, they develop the confidence to think deeply, question assumptions, and speak plainly. This is a class where nobody has the answers but everybody has something to offer.
Reading/writing/talking is the best activity humans do, and the most distinctive. Socratic education gives students the opportunity to participate with the full force of their amazing growing brains, gain mental clarity and precision, and reach for better conversations in their daily lives.
About me: While a middle schooler in Anchorage, Alaska, I received Socratic education myself, which is why I am completely persuaded that this method is the best way for this age group to flourish, tapping into their age-appropriate existentialism, moral seriousness, and nascent independence. Now I am a homeschooling mother, active in Washington, DC’s secular homeschool community. I offer a growing catalog of classes to teenaged homeschoolers, mostly Socratic seminars.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
6-8 learners per class
