About us
The goal is for people from different backgrounds to get together and exchange philosophical perspectives and questions that are both timely and timeless in nature based on their experiences. It involves collaborative argumentative dialogue between the participants by asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to discover the ideas and underlying presuppositions.
Behaviors That Support Dialogue
- Suspension of judgment while listening and speaking. When we listen and suspend judgment, we open the door to expanded understanding. When we speak without judgment, we open the door for others to listen to us.
- Respect for differences. Our respect is grounded in the belief that everyone has an essential contribution to make and is to be honored for the perspective which only they can bring.
- Role and status suspension. Again, in dialogue, all participants and their contributions are absolutely essential to developing an integrated whole view. No one perspective is more important than any other. Dialogue is about power with, versus power over or under.
- Balancing inquiry and advocacy. In dialogue we inquire to discover and understand one another’s perspectives and ideas, and we advocate to offer our own for consideration. The intention is to bring forth and make visible assumptions and relationships, and to gain new insight and understanding. We often tend to advocate to convince others of our positions. Therefore, a good place to start with this guideline is to practice bringing more inquiry into the conversation.
- Focus on learning. Our intention is to learn from each other, to expand our view and understanding, not to evaluate and determine who has the “best” view. When we are focused on learning, we tend to ask more questions, try new things. We are willing to disclose our thinking so that we can see both what is working for us and what we might want to change. We want to hear from all parties so that we can gain the advantage of differing perspectives.
source: https://capstone.unst.pdx.edu/sites/default/files/Dialogue%20and%20Debate_0.pdf
This group does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities.
Upcoming events
1
What is...Socrates Cafe?
Flying Star Cafe, 4501 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, USLet's come together to explore meaningful questions through open, thoughtful dialogue. Inspired by the spirit of Socrates, we focus less on having the “right” answers and more on asking better questions, examining our assumptions, and listening deeply to one another. It’s a place where curiosity is the only requirement and where every voice has something valuable to contribute.
You’re invited to join us as we explore the question “What is a Socrates Café group?” together. Rather than defining it in advance, we’ll co‑create the answer through conversation, reflection, and shared inquiry. If you enjoy thoughtful discussion, diverse perspectives, and the chance to think in new ways, this gathering is for you. Come with an open mind, a willingness to wonder, and a readiness to discover what we can build together. Discussion not debate.
Suggested Reading: Socrates Café by Christopher Phillips is a blend of memoir, philosophy, and real-world dialogue that chronicles his effort to bring the Socratic method into everyday life through open, public gatherings where anyone can explore big questions together. Drawing on influences from classical Socratic inquiry as well as modern thinkers, Phillips shows how curiosity, doubt, and shared reflection can help people from diverse backgrounds engage more deeply with themselves and one another. The book not only tells the story of how these groups began but also serves as a guide for creating inclusive, participatory conversations that encourage empathy, critical thinking, and the co‑creation of meaning.
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Socrates-Cafe-Fresh-Taste-Philosophy/dp/039332298Xhttps://socratescafe.com/socrates-cafes-facilitated-by-christopher-phillips/
13 attendees
Past events
87
Group links
Organizers
Members
615
