Reviews for Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy

The average rating for Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-07-11 00:00:00 Eko Hardjo I understood this book as a manifesto; one I was sympathetic to but ultimately unconvinced by. In Socrates Cafe, Phillips is calling for the creation of small Socratic communities in which a version of the Socratic Method can be practiced. He shares stories from Socrates Cafe's he has facilitated and gives a taste to the reader of what participation at a Socrates Cafe asks of you (and promises for you.) In general, the guiding principle of behavior in Socrates Cafes is 'what would Socrates do?' Phillips sees that the point of Socrates Cafes is to, like Prometheus, steal the fire of philosophy from academia and give it to the people. According to Phillips the fire promises us better lives through better critical reasoning, questioning, and wonder. I'm very sympathetic to this. If you are interested in meeting up with others and pursuing questions for their own sake; then this book and Socrates Cafe meetings are for you. This book is an introduction to Socrates Cafes. As a manifesto, or invitation to leading a certain style of life, this book works. But otherwise, I confess I found myself frustrated with it. Phillip's writing style as well as his understanding of the Socratic way of life just doesn't fully work for me. He thinks that Socrates refused to ever 'teach' anyone and only learned from them. I suspect he draws this conclusion because his understanding of Socrates seems almost entirely based off of Plato to the exclusion of Xenophon. For me, this essentially means that Phillips is presenting one side of the myth of Socrates. He is very clear about this: "[Socrates] surely exists as an idealized persona that we forever strive to realize within ourselves. The Socrates of whom I speak is intellectual integrity personified." There's nothing wrong about having your own myth of Socrates which inspires you to live better. I have my own myth of Socrates. But I think Phillips has made a mistake by excluding Xenophon and not acknowledging that he has done so. To me, Socrates was a versatile man who could hold Phillips style Socrates Cafes just as much as he could provide a friend with direct advice ala Xenophon. Finally, I found the way Phillips wrote as occasionally clunky. His descriptions of people; specifically what they wore; seemed awkwardly designed to comment on their character. This obvious clunkiness felt odd as before Phillips found his calling as a 'Johny Appleseed of Socrates Cafes' he was a journalist. Consider this passage for example: "'Why did you start Socrates Cafe?' The wide-eyed and winsome woman who asks me this question is clutching a cell phone in one hand. Even though it is quite warm inside, she has not removed her heavy blue wool coat, as if she might have to leave at any moment. She is among eighteen curious souls who have shown up for the first-ever Socrates Cafe I am inaugurating...." I was prevented from enjoying this book more because of the style with which he organized this book, as well as his complete exclusion of Xenophon. If we are to live lives as Socrates, we would do well to consider all the relevant sources on his life. To skim over Xenophon, whether by accident or intentionally, is a choice that must be defended, and Phillips offers no reason for doing so. Regardless, I'm happy Phillips is sharing his understanding of Socrates with people, because from what he writes, it seems clear that its aiding people lead more fulfilled lives. We could all benefit from greater self awareness and keen questioning, which seems to be the point of Socrates Cafes.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-09-19 00:00:00 Niagia Pickney The book has inspired me to try and start a Socrates Cafe near the universities in Uptown New Orleans, once I get back to the city. I love philosophical discussion and yeah, getting to engage in dialog with people who will likely have a very different world-view then my own, would be most challenging for me and would help me expand my boundaries and grow in understanding.