By Laura Caffry
Several years ago, Harwood Union (HU) history teacher Kathy Cadwell and her Introduction to Philosophy students held their first Socrates Cafe; it was such a success they have been holding them ever since. Introduction to Philosophy is an elective that is open to all Harwood students in grades 10 through 12. At least once per year the students and their dedicated teacher invite the entire community to the school for an evening of stimulating conversation. The events are very well attended; last week there were over 100 people gathered. The original student facilitators have now graduated from Harwood and from college, but the tradition continues.
Each year the students and their family members along with HU graduates, HU teachers and community members of all ages meet together and discuss life’s great questions. After a warm welcome, the participants break into groups that are led by a student or pair of students from the philosophy class. The student facilitators lead their groups through an in-depth exploration of a philosophical question. The timeless, yet timely, questions that the students posed this year were: “Has technology outpaced the ability of humans to adapt to it?” “How do we know what is true?” “Why do humans do things that we know are wrong?” “What is virtue?” and “Is there a downside to morality?” Past questions have included “Is it ever OK to lie?” “What is success?” “Can a war be just?” and “What does it mean to be happy?”
Over the years, I have attended most of the cafes the Harwood philosophers have hosted. Each and every time I am so impressed by how bright, creative, intelligent and composed the student hosts are and by the way they ensure that everyone has a chance to be listened to. They are so gracious and comfortable speaking with others that I almost forget they are only teenagers. These facilitation skills are particularly impressive given that there is no way for the leader to know in advance where the group’s conversation might go.
Harwood is well known for the strength of its music program and for the long-running success of many of its athletic teams. Many community members attend Harwood concerts, plays and sporting events; the talent, hard work and school spirit of the students is a joy to see. If you haven’t experienced a Socrates Cafe, I suggest you add that to your list of great things at Harwood Union to be a part of. We can be thankful that our community’s children have the great opportunities that Harwood provides and that they are learning the skills that will make them critical thinkers and valuable participants in the democratic process. We can also be thankful that Harwood’s philosophers give us each the opportunity to question our own assumptions and beliefs and to gain new insight. What a way to bring our community together.
Caffry lives in Waitsfield.
