Philosophical Chairs Speak Your Mind

Rules of Engagement 1. Be sure you understand the central statement or topic before the discussion begins. Decide which section you will sit in.

Rules of Engagement 2. Listen carefully when others speak and seek to understand their arguments even if you don’t agree.

Rules of Engagement 3. Wait for the teacher or mediator to recognize you before you speak; only one person speaks at a time.

Rules of Engagement 4. You must first summarize briefly the previous speaker’s argument before you make your response.

Rules of Engagement 5. If you have spoken for your side, you must wait until three other people on your side speak before you speak again.

Rules of Engagement 6. Be sure that when you speak, you address the ideas, not the person stating them.

Rules of Engagement 7. Keep an open mind and move to the other side or the undecided section if you feel that someone made a good argument or your opinion is swayed.

Rules of Engagement 8. Support the class by maintaining order and helping the discussion to progress.

A driver’s license should not be permitted for high school dropouts. On a piece of paper, write down your opinion

Rules of Engagement Understand the topic Listen carefully Wait to be recognized before you speak; only one person speaks at a time. You must first summarize briefly the previous speaker’s argument before you make your response. If you have spoken for your side, you must wait until three other people on your side speak before you speak again. Address the ideas, not the person stating them. Keep an open mind and move to the other side or the undecided section Support the class by maintaining order and helping the discussion to progress.

Philosophical Chairs Written Evaluation Answer each of the following questions about today’s Philosophical Chairs activity in a few sentences. What was the most frustrating part of today’s discussion? What was the most successful part? What statements led you to change your seat or to remain sitting in your original position? What conclusions can you draw about how you form your beliefs based on today’s discussion? What would you change about your participation in today’s activity? Do you wish you had said something that you did not? Did you think about changing seats but didn’t? Explain.