Online Philosophy Course
Discover an Accessible Way to Explore Socrates’ Philosophy
Do you want to enhance your life by understanding the timeless wisdom of Socrates’ philosophy?
Opportunities to learn about philosophy are often scarce and challenging—whether it’s the expense of formal education, lengthy and overwhelming self-paced courses, or the frustration of trying to learn independently without guidance. These barriers can leave many feeling stuck and unable to benefit from philosophy’s potential to inspire a more authentic, engaged, and joyful life. Our microlearning course, Socrates and the Art of Questioning, offers a solution by helping you grasp essential concepts with simplicity and efficiency.
Microlearning is a proven yet underutilized approach that transforms philosophy education into manageable, digestible lessons. Rooted in the SMART goal framework, this method enables you to consistently build your understanding over time, keeping momentum and avoiding burnout.
Course Overview
This 6-week course, Socrates and the Art of Questioning, introduces students to the life and ideas of Socrates, along with the world-changing method of questioning he pioneered. Through concise video lessons and reflective exercises, participants will gain a practical understanding of his philosophy and learn how to apply the art of questioning to their daily lives for better critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
Course Audience
This introductory-level course is designed for anyone with a curiosity about philosophy. No prior knowledge is required, making it perfect for a wide-ranging, general audience.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand Socrates’ historical context, philosophy, and method of questioning.
- Develop critical thinking skills through the application of Socratic questioning principles.
- Apply the Socratic Method to real-world issues, enhancing self-awareness and decision-making.
Course Delivery
The course is structured as a 6-week program delivered in a microlearning format. Each week features a 5-10 minute video lesson, coupled with a journaling prompt for personal reflection and deeper engagement.
Course Description
Lessons
Lesson 1 Introduction to Socratic Questioning
Lesson 2 The Structure of a Socratic Question
Lesson 3 The Role of Critical Thinking in Socratic Questioning
Lesson 4 Applying Socratic Questioning to Ethical Dilemmas
Lesson 5 Overcoming Obstacles in Socratic Dialogue
Lesson 6 Becoming a Practitioner of Socratic Questioning
Course Overview and Benefits
This course demystifies Socratic questioning, bringing philosophy from ancient Greece into your modern life in a way that is engaging and practical. It begins with an introduction to Socrates, exploring his pivotal role in shaping Western thought and the fundamentals of his method, which emphasizes dialogue and critical inquiry as tools for discovering deeper truths.
Each lesson builds on the last, offering a structured exploration of key themes. For instance, Lesson 2 dives into the anatomy of effective questioning, helping students differentiate between open-ended and closed-ended questions. Lesson 3 focuses on fostering critical thinking, teaching participants how to use questions to challenge assumptions and strengthen reasoning. By Lesson 4, students will apply Socratic questioning to moral and ethical dilemmas, a skill that not only enhances decision-making but also cultivates empathy and understanding.
The course also addresses obstacles, such as biases or conversational resistance, equipping learners with strategies to maintain productive dialogues (Lesson 5). By the final lesson, participants will synthesize their learning to adopt Socratic questioning as a habit in both their personal and professional lives. This reflective approach fosters long-term curiosity and intellectual growth.
The microlearning format ensures accessibility for busy individuals. Each lesson requires only a brief commitment of time while providing ample opportunity for reflection through targeted journaling prompts. These prompts inspire students to connect their learning to real-world experiences, deepening comprehension and making philosophy an integral part of everyday thinking.
For those seeking clarity, authenticity, and enriched communication, Socrates and the Art of Questioning provides powerful tools that can have an enduring impact. By the end of the course, not only will participants gain a deeper understanding of Socrates’ teachings, but they’ll also possess the ability to ask better questions—of themselves and others—leading to more meaningful interactions and a life imbued with thoughtful curiosity.