SOCRATIC SEMINAR PAGE
socratic seminar topics for 2024-2025
April 25, 2025: Recently in the news Colossal Biosciences announced that they have successfully brought back to life the Dire Wolf which has been extinct for thousands of years. What was once a Hollywood theme in the movie Jurassic Park has become a reality. Should companies like Colossal Biosciences bring back animals that have become extinct? Is it ethical? moral? or does it conform to acceptable standards?
Let's try and use a "red herring" device if possible for this week's argument:
The following is cited from Wikipedia: A red herring is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question. It may be either a logical fallacy or a literary device that leads readers or audiences toward a false conclusion.
The expression is mainly used to assert that an argument is not relevant to the issue being discussed. For example, "I think we should make the academic requirements stricter for students. I recommend you support this because we are in a budget crisis, and we do not want our salaries affected." The second sentence, though used to support the first sentence, does not address that topic.
Possible "red herring" topics:
The following is cited from Wikipedia: A red herring is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question. It may be either a logical fallacy or a literary device that leads readers or audiences toward a false conclusion.
The expression is mainly used to assert that an argument is not relevant to the issue being discussed. For example, "I think we should make the academic requirements stricter for students. I recommend you support this because we are in a budget crisis, and we do not want our salaries affected." The second sentence, though used to support the first sentence, does not address that topic.
Possible "red herring" topics:
May 09, 2025: George Santayana wrote in 1905, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." What does this mean to you and do you think history a critical learning subject? In other words, is it important to study history? Why or Why Not?
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The logical fallacy we will be examining this week is the "appeal to fear," which is widely used throughout media: An "appeal to fear" is a type of argumentation that generates fear, intimidation, distress, anxiety, or prejudice in an argument in hopes of them being persuaded or accepting the idea. Try using an "appeal to fear" this weak in your explanation of evidence as you examine if history is a critical subject. Here is a commercial used by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, in which the "appeal to fear" is used: |
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socratic seminar topics for 2025-2026
Calendar of topics
Anytime you may be speaking on a particular subject, you have to assume the audience is unaware of the details. It is up to you to explain those details in an unique and personal way. When you do that, then people remember and learn from you. Below are some good steps to follow in the development of your statement.
An Example and Model of the Work Expected
in Preparation for the Socratic Seminar
We will use the Graphic Organizer below and read articles or watch videos to form one argument that supports our argument.
Before I have finished both sides of the Graphic Organizer, I will spend time talking with other people about the topic and practice the delivery of my argument with respect to gestures and voice modulation for the greatest impact.
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The students will be notified usually a week ahead of time on the topic. They should attempt the study of the topic early and utilize the Graphic Organizer for the Socratic Seminar. A completed and turned-in graphic organizer is expected before each seminar is to be discussed.
Those students who practice beforehand and talk about the topics with family members have shown great success in delivering their arguments, and students who have delivered the best argument for the day will be awarded with the title, Socratic Seminar Champ of the Week, and the trophy. The trophy will need to be returned on Thursday the following week. |
Almost every week our students will be debating various topics in socratic circles in hopes of gaining a deeper knowledge on the importance of communication. The Socratic Seminar is directly correlated to the English Language Arts Standards under Speaking and Listening as well as Reading and Writing as outlined in the Common Core State Standards.
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Should the internet be banned from the school premises?
Are video games helpful or harmful for children?
Should middle school students volunteer for community welfare?
Are beauty pageants good for confidence or not?
Are aliens real or fake?
Are outdoor classrooms helpful for learning?
What is the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity?
Is history a critical learning subject?
1. (August 26, 2022) What characteristic or character trait do you think coaches including Geno Auriemma is most looking for in his student athletes?
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Socratic Seminars from Previous School Years
top ten socratic seminar topics for 2023-2025
1. Which is better Football or Futbol?
2. Should the Department of the Interior change derogatory names associated with rivers, mountain peaks, forts, etc...?
3. What are the implications of Travis Kelce's Super Bowl behavior when he pushed and yelled at his Coach Andy Reid?
4. Should the company, Lithium Americas, be allowed to mine for lithium at Thacker Pass, Nevada, which is considered a sacred site by 22
tribes and where United States soldiers massacred approximately 50 Native Americans on September 12, 1865?
5. If the United States was to consider one animal as a symbol to be loaned out around the world as a diplomatic tool, like China does with the
giant panda, which animal would it be? (https://www.georgetown.edu/news/the-giant-pandas-have-left-the-national-zoo-whats-next-for-u-s-china-relations/)
6. Do you think you as a 5th grader should be able to attend Knott's Scary Farm, in which there is no minimum age requirement?
7. Which cartoon figure has the most complex character development? No TV-MA show; what makes the character so complex?
8. Is Frankenstein a zombie? or Are Zombies, mummies, vampires, ghouls, ghosts. Synonyms? Subspecies?
9. The summer season changes this Sunday, September 22, 2024. But why does. it have 2 names? Is it Fall or Autumn?
10. Should junk food be banned at schools?
11. Who is the mascot of Halloween like Santa Claus is to Christmas or the Easter Bunny is to Easter?
12. Which animal in North America has been the most influential, important, and or impactful as North America has developed?
2. Should the Department of the Interior change derogatory names associated with rivers, mountain peaks, forts, etc...?
3. What are the implications of Travis Kelce's Super Bowl behavior when he pushed and yelled at his Coach Andy Reid?
4. Should the company, Lithium Americas, be allowed to mine for lithium at Thacker Pass, Nevada, which is considered a sacred site by 22
tribes and where United States soldiers massacred approximately 50 Native Americans on September 12, 1865?
5. If the United States was to consider one animal as a symbol to be loaned out around the world as a diplomatic tool, like China does with the
giant panda, which animal would it be? (https://www.georgetown.edu/news/the-giant-pandas-have-left-the-national-zoo-whats-next-for-u-s-china-relations/)
6. Do you think you as a 5th grader should be able to attend Knott's Scary Farm, in which there is no minimum age requirement?
7. Which cartoon figure has the most complex character development? No TV-MA show; what makes the character so complex?
8. Is Frankenstein a zombie? or Are Zombies, mummies, vampires, ghouls, ghosts. Synonyms? Subspecies?
9. The summer season changes this Sunday, September 22, 2024. But why does. it have 2 names? Is it Fall or Autumn?
10. Should junk food be banned at schools?
11. Who is the mascot of Halloween like Santa Claus is to Christmas or the Easter Bunny is to Easter?
12. Which animal in North America has been the most influential, important, and or impactful as North America has developed?
top ten socratic seminar topics for 2022-2023
1. Are conspiracy theories damaging to the truth or reality of certain events?
2. Should students be allowed to wear Halloween costumes to school?
3. What is the most iconic image of Halloween or Dia de los Muertos?
4. Which Los Angeles landmark/building structure is the most architectually pleasing?
5.. Which is the best condiment?
6. Should beaches and/or lifeguards use drones to safeguard swimmers and surfers from shark attacks?
7. Which cartoon character has the most complex character development and how can you prove it?
8. What is the best pie?
9. Which amusement park in Southern California is the best?
10. What can we learn today from the witch trials in the United States and especially in Salem, Nassachusetts?
2. Should students be allowed to wear Halloween costumes to school?
3. What is the most iconic image of Halloween or Dia de los Muertos?
4. Which Los Angeles landmark/building structure is the most architectually pleasing?
5.. Which is the best condiment?
6. Should beaches and/or lifeguards use drones to safeguard swimmers and surfers from shark attacks?
7. Which cartoon character has the most complex character development and how can you prove it?
8. What is the best pie?
9. Which amusement park in Southern California is the best?
10. What can we learn today from the witch trials in the United States and especially in Salem, Nassachusetts?
top ten socratic seminar topics for 2021 - 2022
1. Should ancient artifacts, like the Elgin Marbles or a sculpture of King Tutankhamun's head, be returned to their home countries?
2. Famous movie directors, Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, state that the Marvel Universe of movies has nothing to offer movie-goers and likens them to a theme-park. For this argument I want you to use the Marvel movies to argue in agreement with the directors or establish an argument that indeed the Marvel movies are "cinema" using Coppola's own definition.
3. The United States Marine Corps believes that the overall neutrality of their dress code helps save lives and therefore has denied an exception to uniform regulations to First Lt. Sukbhir Toor, a Sikh, on the subject of his religious freedom and wearing a turban while in combat. Agree or Disagree?
4. What is the strongest character trait that makes up Navene Town? And how can Navene be an example for other children?
5. China's legislature is proposing a parenting class, a fine, or detention for parents of unruly children. Being children, do you think this is a good idea? Do you think this is a good idea for the United States of America? Why or Why Not?
6. Who is the greatest female athlete of all time?
7. I am sorry to say that a long lost aunt of yours has passed away, but on the upside she has left you billions of dollars. You now have so much money you couldn't possibly spend it all so you decide to donate the bulk of your new found wealth to others. Discuss your philanthropic desire to make the world a better place. What will you decide to do?
8. Which Super Bowl advertisement or commercial was the most effective and why?
9. Is The Walt Disney character, "Goofy" a dog or a man?
10. Do you think the International Olympic Committee (the IOC) is correct in their ruling to allow figure skater Kamila Valieva, representing the ROC (which is Russia) to continue to compete in the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 despite discovering the performance enhancing drug, Trimetazidine in her system?
2. Famous movie directors, Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, state that the Marvel Universe of movies has nothing to offer movie-goers and likens them to a theme-park. For this argument I want you to use the Marvel movies to argue in agreement with the directors or establish an argument that indeed the Marvel movies are "cinema" using Coppola's own definition.
3. The United States Marine Corps believes that the overall neutrality of their dress code helps save lives and therefore has denied an exception to uniform regulations to First Lt. Sukbhir Toor, a Sikh, on the subject of his religious freedom and wearing a turban while in combat. Agree or Disagree?
4. What is the strongest character trait that makes up Navene Town? And how can Navene be an example for other children?
5. China's legislature is proposing a parenting class, a fine, or detention for parents of unruly children. Being children, do you think this is a good idea? Do you think this is a good idea for the United States of America? Why or Why Not?
6. Who is the greatest female athlete of all time?
7. I am sorry to say that a long lost aunt of yours has passed away, but on the upside she has left you billions of dollars. You now have so much money you couldn't possibly spend it all so you decide to donate the bulk of your new found wealth to others. Discuss your philanthropic desire to make the world a better place. What will you decide to do?
8. Which Super Bowl advertisement or commercial was the most effective and why?
9. Is The Walt Disney character, "Goofy" a dog or a man?
10. Do you think the International Olympic Committee (the IOC) is correct in their ruling to allow figure skater Kamila Valieva, representing the ROC (which is Russia) to continue to compete in the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 despite discovering the performance enhancing drug, Trimetazidine in her system?
top ten socratic seminar topics for 2019
1. Is Pluto a planet? You decide...
2. Are audio and video recordings better than reading books?
3. Which is the proper installation for a roll of toilet paper? Over vs. Under?
4. Does separating boys and girls help students perform better in school?
5. Do we react too quickly in passing judgment when it comes to social media? Especially when it comes to just a portion of the whole story?
6. Should hats come back into fashion for both men and women, and if so which particular "hat" should become the new fashion trend?
7. Should organized social dancing come back into fashion?
8. Are name brand goods a better decision than the generic? Think about food, clothing, shoes, stores, pharmaceuticals, and accessories like purses, phones, glasses for your argument
9. In the world of Marvel comics, is it a good idea for superheroes to adopt the United Nations legislation termed, "The Sokovia Accords?"
10. Is Shazam a copy of Superman?
2. Are audio and video recordings better than reading books?
3. Which is the proper installation for a roll of toilet paper? Over vs. Under?
4. Does separating boys and girls help students perform better in school?
5. Do we react too quickly in passing judgment when it comes to social media? Especially when it comes to just a portion of the whole story?
6. Should hats come back into fashion for both men and women, and if so which particular "hat" should become the new fashion trend?
7. Should organized social dancing come back into fashion?
8. Are name brand goods a better decision than the generic? Think about food, clothing, shoes, stores, pharmaceuticals, and accessories like purses, phones, glasses for your argument
9. In the world of Marvel comics, is it a good idea for superheroes to adopt the United Nations legislation termed, "The Sokovia Accords?"
10. Is Shazam a copy of Superman?
Top Ten Socratic Seminar Topics for 2018
1. According to NewsELA, football is linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). For this argument you can be a player (active or retired), a concerned parent, a fan, a coach, or even the NFL Commissioner with an argument to change the game or not.
2. Which is more important: Talent or Hard Work?
3. Should noisy dogs in the neighborhood be debarked?
4. How can school districts, elementary through high schools, colleges and universities, and teachers help improve the advancement of females and minorities in the field of mathematics and engineering?
5. Would you encourage your fellow classmates in picking and eating their own snot in the classroom given the recent study on the benefits to one's immune system?
6. Is Santa Claus real?
7. What characteristic or character trait do you think coach Geno Auriemma is most looking for in his student athletes?
8. Do you think American drivers will give up their autonomy for self-driving cars?
9. On February 06, 2018, Space X and Elon Musk launched Falcon Heavy into space, where they deposited the payload, Starman driving Musk's $100,000 Tesla Roadster, to orbit space forever, was this harmless "silly fun" or one of the side effects of exploration? You decide:
10. Is the hot dog a sandwich?
2. Which is more important: Talent or Hard Work?
3. Should noisy dogs in the neighborhood be debarked?
4. How can school districts, elementary through high schools, colleges and universities, and teachers help improve the advancement of females and minorities in the field of mathematics and engineering?
5. Would you encourage your fellow classmates in picking and eating their own snot in the classroom given the recent study on the benefits to one's immune system?
6. Is Santa Claus real?
7. What characteristic or character trait do you think coach Geno Auriemma is most looking for in his student athletes?
8. Do you think American drivers will give up their autonomy for self-driving cars?
9. On February 06, 2018, Space X and Elon Musk launched Falcon Heavy into space, where they deposited the payload, Starman driving Musk's $100,000 Tesla Roadster, to orbit space forever, was this harmless "silly fun" or one of the side effects of exploration? You decide:
10. Is the hot dog a sandwich?
Top Ten Socratic Seminar Topics from 2017
1. Should the state of California make available for students at school to have more options for mental health while attending school?
2. Do "public service announcements" really work with special attention to the recent John Cena video on what it means to be an American and patriotic? He says, "To love America is to love all Americans."
3. Should Sea World ban the use of killer whale performances and put a ban on their breeding for captivity program?
4. Should circuses like Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey stop using animals like, elephants, bears, and tigers, as part of the entertainment at shows?
5. Should zoos and aquariums start phasing out some of the larger predatory animals like, gorillas, polar bears, elephants, and lions, that require much larger habitats?
6. Should high schools adopt POP protocol, so that the incidents between the public, especially drivers and people in general, and law enforcement can begin to be reduced dramatically?
7. Should children under 14 years old, freshman in high school, be banned from social media, like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc...? Facebook does have a policy of no children under the age of thirteen. We will read an article from Redbook Magazine in class before discussing.
8. Should prisoners receive better wages in prison for work completed as well as benefits?
9. Could the "Betsy Ross Flag" be interpreted as a symbol of oppression for some, and as it seems to be newly adopted by some racist organizations, could it therefore be interpreted as a symbol of white supremacy?
10. Should scientists in Russia or anywhere else experiment with cross breeding species? What are your thoughts on the subject?
2. Do "public service announcements" really work with special attention to the recent John Cena video on what it means to be an American and patriotic? He says, "To love America is to love all Americans."
3. Should Sea World ban the use of killer whale performances and put a ban on their breeding for captivity program?
4. Should circuses like Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey stop using animals like, elephants, bears, and tigers, as part of the entertainment at shows?
5. Should zoos and aquariums start phasing out some of the larger predatory animals like, gorillas, polar bears, elephants, and lions, that require much larger habitats?
6. Should high schools adopt POP protocol, so that the incidents between the public, especially drivers and people in general, and law enforcement can begin to be reduced dramatically?
7. Should children under 14 years old, freshman in high school, be banned from social media, like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc...? Facebook does have a policy of no children under the age of thirteen. We will read an article from Redbook Magazine in class before discussing.
8. Should prisoners receive better wages in prison for work completed as well as benefits?
9. Could the "Betsy Ross Flag" be interpreted as a symbol of oppression for some, and as it seems to be newly adopted by some racist organizations, could it therefore be interpreted as a symbol of white supremacy?
10. Should scientists in Russia or anywhere else experiment with cross breeding species? What are your thoughts on the subject?
Top Ten Socratic Seminar Topics from 2016
1. Should "amazon" and other delivery services offer drone deliveries?
2. On March 09, 2016, the city of Los Angeles began sweeping up the "popular" tiny house solution that was masterminded by former homeless man turned problem solver, Elvis Summers. Should the city of Los Angeles remove the houses from these individuals before having another viable option available to help end homelessness in the city?
3. Should the state of California place a tax on junk foods?
4. Should drivers have access to their smartphones while driving?
5. Do you think the new "hoverboard" is a better ride or experience than the original skateboard?
6. Should the sons of Dr. Martin Luther King sell their father's Nobel Peace Prize and Bible?
7. Do you believe that the science involved in cryptozoology is a valid field of study?
8. Should Female Ranger graduates be allowed to take their expertise into combat?
9. Should the owners of professional sports programs and fans stop using Native American imagery?
10. You are the Athletic Director of a major university and a coach on staff has embarrassed the university dramatically. Do you fire the coach?
2. On March 09, 2016, the city of Los Angeles began sweeping up the "popular" tiny house solution that was masterminded by former homeless man turned problem solver, Elvis Summers. Should the city of Los Angeles remove the houses from these individuals before having another viable option available to help end homelessness in the city?
3. Should the state of California place a tax on junk foods?
4. Should drivers have access to their smartphones while driving?
5. Do you think the new "hoverboard" is a better ride or experience than the original skateboard?
6. Should the sons of Dr. Martin Luther King sell their father's Nobel Peace Prize and Bible?
7. Do you believe that the science involved in cryptozoology is a valid field of study?
8. Should Female Ranger graduates be allowed to take their expertise into combat?
9. Should the owners of professional sports programs and fans stop using Native American imagery?
10. You are the Athletic Director of a major university and a coach on staff has embarrassed the university dramatically. Do you fire the coach?
Top Ten Socratic Seminar Topics from 2015
1. Do violent or inappropriate video games, movies, or TV shows trigger violent or inappropriate behavior in children?
2. Underage children are required by the state of California to attend school, but there are some who believe school attendance should be voluntary. What are your thoughts?
3. Should companies advertise and market goods to children? Take into account the article: "Bestseller in MidEast: Barbie with a Prayer Mat," when developing your statement. Also consider the profits made by Disney in marketing the movie, Frozen, as well as merchandise which has generated over two billion dollars for the company.
4. Our first amendment right protects us as people from Congress possibly passing a law that might infringe on my freedom of speech or of the press, so should their be a limitation on freedom of speech, or should I have total freedom to say what I feel?
5. Is television better than reading books?
6. Define what it means to be an American?
7. The New England Patriots were accused of deflating the football in the AFC Championship Game win against the Indianapolis Colts, and supposedly an attendant or ball boy may have had some impact on the deflation. Should Tom Brady, as having had the final say on his choice of game balls, have taken responsibility for the deflated balls?
8. There is a lot of research out there on the benefits of animals and their caregivers. Some individuals suggest that schools would benefit from opening their doors to having more pets at school. Should schools have therapy dogs and pets at school?
9. Should citizens of the United States of America be fined for not exercising their right to vote?
10. Should high school students be expected to pass a citizenship exam, a battery of basic test questions covering topics on the Constitution, ones rights as an individual, symbology of the country, and basic historical facts about the founders and contributors of the United States of America, in order to graduate from high school?
2. Underage children are required by the state of California to attend school, but there are some who believe school attendance should be voluntary. What are your thoughts?
3. Should companies advertise and market goods to children? Take into account the article: "Bestseller in MidEast: Barbie with a Prayer Mat," when developing your statement. Also consider the profits made by Disney in marketing the movie, Frozen, as well as merchandise which has generated over two billion dollars for the company.
4. Our first amendment right protects us as people from Congress possibly passing a law that might infringe on my freedom of speech or of the press, so should their be a limitation on freedom of speech, or should I have total freedom to say what I feel?
5. Is television better than reading books?
6. Define what it means to be an American?
7. The New England Patriots were accused of deflating the football in the AFC Championship Game win against the Indianapolis Colts, and supposedly an attendant or ball boy may have had some impact on the deflation. Should Tom Brady, as having had the final say on his choice of game balls, have taken responsibility for the deflated balls?
8. There is a lot of research out there on the benefits of animals and their caregivers. Some individuals suggest that schools would benefit from opening their doors to having more pets at school. Should schools have therapy dogs and pets at school?
9. Should citizens of the United States of America be fined for not exercising their right to vote?
10. Should high school students be expected to pass a citizenship exam, a battery of basic test questions covering topics on the Constitution, ones rights as an individual, symbology of the country, and basic historical facts about the founders and contributors of the United States of America, in order to graduate from high school?