The Course
Guiding Critical Thought
A holistic approach to using the Socratic method at home or in the classrooom, to encourage critical thinking and constructive dialogue.
Listen to More
Learning through Discovery
Reimagine the fundamentals of how we learn through aided and unaided discovery.
Socratic Seminar
Discover the history and mechanics of discovery through dialogue, how to ask meaningful questions, and do’s and don’ts.
Application Beyond the Seminar
Expand beyond the seminar circle and apply the Socratic method in other areas of the learning environment.
Writing as Thinking
Change your perspective of writing to a tool for thinking that aids you (and your students) in deeper levels of thinking.
What is the Socratic Method?
“Education is the kindling of flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
-Socrates
What Do You Need for This Course?
Technology
Less is More
Internet Browser
Headphones to Listen to Lessons
A Quiet Place to Get Lost in Thought
Journal for Writing Your Thoughts
Word Processor
Lessons are in audio and designed to engage your imagination.
“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”
– Virginia Wolf
Listen to the Lesson
Audio lessons vary in length from 7-15 minutes. Kick back with a cup of coffee, get lost in thought as you imagine scenarios designed to prompt thoughts in your own mind.
Imagine the Thought Experiment
Play with ideas in your mind and experiment with the possibilies. Thought experiments help you imagine situations, evaluate problems, reflect on your own thinking, and propose solutions.
Journal Your Thoughts
Learn to leverage the advantages of handwriting your thoughts. You’ll use your journaling notes you make throughout the course to learn a new process of writing an essay.
On Demand Hybrid
Learn Through Dialogue
All lessons are on demand and self-paced and are accompanied by monthly interactive web calls. You will be joined by fellow students currently enrolled to participate in Socractic style Zoom calls with your Socratic Seminar Coach.
Experiential
Teach better thinking by becoming a better thinker
Reflective
Learn to self-evaluate through self-directed learning
Troubleshoot
Apply lessons in the classroom; come back with questions
Introspective
Engage your thought process instead of using short cuts
Dynamic
Appreciate the value of reconsidering previous ideas
Challenging
Embrace the process of intellectual perserverence
“If you never ask yourself any questions about the meaning of a passage, you cannot expect the book to give you any insight you do not already possess.”
– Mortimer Adler
A Holistic Approach
Course Modules
Module 1:
The Art of Learning
- Two Ways of Discovery
- Ignonace is Not Always Bliss
- The Guide-Learner Relationship
- The Role of Thinking in Discovery
Module 2:
All About the Socratic Method
- Socrates, the Man
- The Uses of the Socratic Method
- Offshoots of the Socratic Method
- How to Conduct a Socratic Seminar
- Should the Socratic Guide Participate in the Dialogue?
Module 3:
Stages & Skills of Thinking
- The Six Stages of Thinking
- Applications for Education
- Critical Feeling: How Thoughts & Feelings Relate
- Manipulation vs Influence
- Traits and Skills of Critical Thinkers
- Logical Fallacies & Cognitive Biases
Module 4:
Writing as Thinking
- Observation & Contemplation: The Socratic Seminar for Introverts
- Write to Think, Don’t Think to Write
- The Method of Writing as Thinking
- Write without Fear, Edit without Mercy
- Introduction & Conclusion
Learn Self-Evaluation
Plus Six Interactive Web Seminars
Take the lessons of the modules deeper by joining upto six Zoom calls with your Socratic Guide and other students. These are Socratic-stye to help you become accustomed to learning through dialogue, while helping the lessons conjeal in your mind.
Your Socratic Guide
Kerry Baldwin
Founder of Mere Liberty Courses,
Author, Independent Researcher, B.A. Philosophy
I’m a veteran homeschool parent and have now branched out teaching critical thought using the Socratic method and dialoguing about the principles of a free society. One of those fundamental principles is in the freedom to think, explore, and discover how the world works. I use the Socratic method as a means of discovery and self-improvement in the key skills of critical thinking.
Features
Unique Benefits
In this course, critical thinking skills are not secondary to learning, they’re fundamental to learning. In addition to the general benefits of building critical thinking skills, this course takes a holistic approach which includes understanding how our feelings relate to our thoughts, and how to use writing as a tool for thinking.
How Can You Sign Up?
Simple pricing
Guiding Critical Thought
Get started now in learning how to help your students become better thinkers.
22 Self-Paced Audio Lessons
3 Self-Evaluations
6 2-hr Socratic-Style Zoom Calls
Course Certification*
$197
per student
Beta-Launch Pricing!
Only 50 Spots Available
- Only 41 Seats Remaining! 18%
*upon completion of essay portion
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead