Street Epistemology in Action How Peter Boghossian uses dialogue to challenge beliefs with respect

Gurteen Knowledge Blog   February 26, 2025, 15:14. Peter Boghossian has been called a modern-day Socrates for his commitment to questioning deeply held beliefs through respectful dialogue. His Street Epistemology method encourages people to examine their beliefs not through debate but through thoughtful, open-ended conversations that promote intellectual humility and self-reflection. Unlike traditional academics, he takes his work … Continue reading Street Epistemology in Action How Peter Boghossian uses dialogue to challenge beliefs with respect

Gadfly Socrates

So now, Athenian men, more than on my own behalf must I defend myself, as some may think, but on your behalf, so that you may not make a mistake concerning the gift of god by condemning me. For if you kill me, you will not easily find another such person at all, even if to say in a ludicrous way, attached on the city by the god, like on a large … | Socrates Continue reading Gadfly Socrates

The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Has writing allowed the pretense of understanding rather than true understanding?

Gurteen Knowledge Blog   April 6, 2021, 19:58. Have you ever considered the consequences of the invention of writing? Do you think that it may have weakened the necessity and power of memory and allowed for the pretense of understanding rather than true understanding? In the Phaedrus, a book written by Plato about 370 BCE, Plato records a discussion between Socrates and … Continue reading The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Has writing allowed the pretense of understanding rather than true understanding?

The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition Peter Boghossian (2023)

This talk by Peter Boghossian at The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation explores the applicability and significance of the Socratic method in fostering critical thinking and advancing civilization. Peter begins by highlighting his interest in finding simple, conceptual “bales of hay” to clean up cognitive processes, inspired by a childhood lesson from his father on … Continue reading The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition Peter Boghossian (2023)

Socrates on Democracy Balancing wisdom and governance

Gurteen Knowledge Blog   July 1, 2024, 10:10. In a year marked by numerous elections worldwide, it is essential to reflect on Socrates’ perspectives on democracy. Socrates held a nuanced view, recognizing that democracy’s theoretical ideals often clash with the reality of citizens’ limited expertise. He observed that the loudest voices frequently overshadow the wisest, leading to decisions … Continue reading Socrates on Democracy Balancing wisdom and governance

The Socratic Elenchus A tool for intellectual discovery

The Socratic elenchus is a method of refutation rooted in ancient Greek philosophy. It challenges assumptions through questioning, often exposing contradictions in reasoning. This technique encourages deeper self-awareness and critical thinking, much like Conversational Leadership, by fostering intellectual humility. Its emphasis on open dialogue and inquiry makes it especially relevant in fields like law and… Continue reading The Socratic Elenchus A tool for intellectual discovery

Socrates on Democracy Socrates had a nuanced view of democracy

Evolution of Democracy ** Modern Democracy ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Democracy’s theoretical ideals clash with citizens’ limited expertise; the loudest voices often prevail over the wisest. Socrates proposed a balanced approach – civic education … Continue reading Socrates on Democracy Socrates had a nuanced view of democracy

Modern Democracy **

Socrates on Democracy Voting in a Democracy ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Socrates’ view on democracy, which emphasized the need for education and wise decision-making, resonates profoundly in modern democratic societies. Today, the challenges he … Continue reading Modern Democracy **

Philosophy of Conversation Conversation is fundamental to the human experience

History of Conversation Etymology of Conversation Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The philosophy of conversation investigates the intricate dynamics of human interaction by exploring how we exchange ideas, share experiences, and build relationships through dialogue. By … Continue reading Philosophy of Conversation Conversation is fundamental to the human experience

The Great Conversation – the Evolving Dialogue of Ideas Exploring the exchange of ideas across cultures and eras

The Great Conversation has spanned millennia, shaping human thought and understanding. Tracing its development and exploring the works of influential thinkers provides a foundation for active participation in this ongoing intellectual dialogue. Continue reading The Great Conversation – the Evolving Dialogue of Ideas Exploring the exchange of ideas across cultures and eras

Artificial Intelligence and the Quest for Knowledge Exploring the parallels between Plato's Phaedrus and the challenges of GenAI

Chatbots and Genai in Knowledge Management From Mind to Information – the Role of AI in Knowledge Encoding Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close As AI increasingly shapes our world, we need to consider its effect on … Continue reading Artificial Intelligence and the Quest for Knowledge Exploring the parallels between Plato’s Phaedrus and the challenges of GenAI

The Two Pillars of Truth How the scientific method and Socratic elenchus underpin civilization

How Could We Be Wrong? Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The pursuit of truth is a fundamental human endeavor. However, arriving at the truth can be challenging, as our beliefs and … Continue reading The Two Pillars of Truth How the scientific method and Socratic elenchus underpin civilization

The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Does writing allow the pretense of understanding, rather than true understanding?

In Plato’s Phaedrus, Socrates shares the myth of Thamus and Theuth, questioning the invention of writing. Writing, he argues, weakens memory and offers the appearance of wisdom without true understanding. Socrates suggests that serious discourse using the dialectic method is a nobler pursuit, leading to genuine wisdom and happiness. Continue reading The Myth of Thamus and Theuth Does writing allow the pretense of understanding, rather than true understanding?