Philosophical Chairs

1. Philosophical Chairs A Critical Thinking Tool

2. Theory • The benefits of this discussion activity include the development of students’ abilities to give careful attention to other students’ comments and to engage in dialogue with one another to gain a greater understanding of the topic presented.

3. Skills Students Acquire • Philosophical Chairs provides a powerful critical thinking tool. • Inquiry • Collaboration • Reading • Writing

4. Learning process • For effective learning to occur, students must become explicitly aware of their own (mis) conceptions about a particular topic. • Student "errors" should be illuminated rather than avoided and "contradictions" explored rather than ignored.

5. How It Works • As you enter class, you will be handed an article to read on a controversial topic. • Parenting • Relationships • Religious Freedom • War • Politics • Education

6. How It Works • The topic should elicit a mixed response. • Some people agree whole-heartedly while others vehementlydisagree with the premise for many reasons. • Still others will reserve judgment until or unless they hear something to persuade them one way or the other.

7. How It Works - Seating • You will have a chance to argue the merits of the topic and will be seated according to your views. • Sitting on one side of two rows of facing chairs indicates one's total support of the topic. • Sitting at the other side signals a student’s total disagreement. • Students who have undecided views or have questions to ask sit behind or at the end of the two rows

8. The Moderator • Job is to insure everyone gets a chance to speak. • May be the teacher or a student. • They should allow participants to address a statement made by a particular person • Be careful that the "pros," "cons," and "questions" are equally represented • Make sure the discussion is not dominated by a few eager students.

9. Students are able to move about the room during the discussion, similar to a game of musical chairs. • Participants can symbolize their willingness to adopt a different point of view — even if temporarily — by moving in the direction of that view and assuming a new location. • To insure that movement takes place, students can receive "credit” for participation or taking multiple viewpoints.

10. Rules 1.Be open-minded. Listen to all statements made and consider both sides. 2. Move to the other side if a particular statement or argument seems to sway your thinking. Experience the "other side." 3. No one acknowledges any move. This is not a team game. • Do not raise hands or speak while another person is speaking

11. Tips • Refer back to the statement on the board • The mediator must be neutral • When necessary, mediator paraphrases or restates statements for clarification (in an unbiased manner) • Modify the statement or switch topics when discussion becomes stagnant • For closure, each student will have thirty seconds to express an opinion • Complete a writing activity for a follow-up

12. Written Reflection • Reflection points to be discussed in written reflection include: • the statement that was discussed • the arguments for the statement • the arguments against the statement • your position and the reasons for this position • whether or not you changed your mind during the discussion, which arguments swayed your thinking, and why.

13. Now you’re ready for Philosophical Chairs!