Socratic Seminar Reflection

The Socratic Seminars we took part in during class proved to be a very interesting and enlightening way to explore ideas and pick each other's minds on topics from Brave New World. In the seminars, my group and I spoke about the differing viewpoints of John the Savage and Mustapha Mond. I also spoke about John's use of Shakespearean quotes in his speech when he is talking to people in the "civilized world."

While preparing for the seminars, I was pleased to find in myself the ability to look at a text and actually interpret a deeper meaning than the impression given on the surface. I was proud of myself that I was actually able to exercise that extra level of critical thinking in a practical manner by taking notes and pondering ideas Huxley presented, for example, the differing viewpoints of Mond and John on the topic of having something more to believe in than just emotion.

I encountered many new and intriguing points of view from my peers during the seminars. For example, my peers pointed out how the words of Shakespeare could have been chosen by Huxley because Shakespearean literature is so timeless and appeals to every human emotion in the most simple, yet at the same time complex, ways. Therefore, John could have been quoting Shakespeare in times of trouble not only for comfort of tradition (my original viewpoint) but because he understood some surface meaning in the words of Shakespeare.

In participating in the seminars, I discovered that I am naturally inclined to initiate conversation with people, and ask lots of questions. I most enjoyed being able to talk to my peers in a smaller group without fear of interruption and hearing the views of some I don't normally have the opportunity to talk to.

The Socratic seminar was very challenging. I was really nervous about it, because I was afraid I would either monopolize the conversation or not speak at all. However, they went really well, I think we all did a great job in my group. The most difficult part for me in the seminar was being sure to pause and give others in my group time to speak and really hearing their ideas. Once I was able to open myself up and listen to the things everyone said, I really felt enlightened on the subjects we spoke about. It was quite interesting to discuss the ideas in "Brave New World" with my peers instead of the usual style of debate. If I had a do-over of the seminar, I would devote more time to listening to my peers and their ideas.