Transcript PHILOSOPHICAL CHAIRS

Introduction, Guidelines, and Rules of
Engagement
What is Philosophical Chairs?
•Format for discussion
•Similar to a debate, yet more of a
dialogue
Dialogue is . . .
•Collaborative, understanding,
listening for deeper meaning, reevaluation assumptions, keeping
an open mind, exploring ideas,
Respect
What are the benefits?
•Development of student’s abilities
to give careful attention to other
students’ comments
•Discover your ‘voice’ and opinions
about various matters/topics

Classroom set-up
Process
1. Statement is presented
2. Students move to either side of
the room
3. Mediator recognizes someone
from the side of the classroom
that agrees with the central
statement to begin the
discussion
4. Next, the mediator will
recognize the other side
Process
•
•
•
•
In addition to speaking in the
discussion, students may
express their opinions by
moving from one side to the
other. Anyone can move at any
time.
Changing seats does not mean
that a person’s mind is
changed, but that the argument
made is compelling enough to
sway the opinions.
You can move back and forth
Final Statements/opinions
1.
2.
3.
Be sure you understand the central
statement or topic before the discussion
begins. Decide which section you will sit in
Listen carefully when others speak and seek
to understand their arguments even if you
don’t agree
Wait for the mediator to recognize you
before you speak; only one person speaks
at a time
4. You must first summarize briefly the perivious
speaker’s argument before you make your
response.
5. If you have spoken for your side you must wait
until three other people on your side speak
before you speak again.
6. Be sure that when you speak, you address the
ideas; not the person saying them
7. Keep an open mind and move to the other side
if you feel that someone made a good
argument or your opinion is swayed.
8. Support your mediator by maintaining order and
helping the discussion to move forward.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Classroom Vote
Tobacco sales should be illegal to sell
Books should be banned
16 year olds should be adults
Schools should use YouTube and Netflix as
classroom tools