Theology I Name:

Ms. Trollinger AMDG

Socratic Seminar Discussion #1:

Faith and Morality

What is a Socratic Seminar?

-A form of discussion and debate between individuals who discuss their viewpoints based on asking and answering questions that will help stimulate critical thinking and bring to light new ideas.

-A form of discussion that requires participants to back up their opinions and explain their insights.

What is your role?

-We will be having this discussion next week on ______.

-Your role is to come prepared to discuss and be able to explain your answers for the following:

  • What is morality?
  • What is “good”?
  • What is “bad”?
  • How can faith and morality be used to make healthy, everyday decisions?
  • Does what you believe matter?
  • Can you be good without God?
  • How can faith and a relationship with God positively influence this world?
  • What does it mean to have a Christian worldview?
  • What do the different religious leaders around the world say about faith and religion and morality?
  • What resources do you rely on when you are making a decision?
  • How do you know if the decision you made is a good one, a moral one?
  • Why do you think people make bad decisions, immoral decisions?
  • How do you define “conscience”?
  • What does it take to follow your conscience?
  • Why are our actions, decisions, and behaviors sometimes inconsistent with our morals? With what we believe?
  • What do you think makes Catholic morality different from other morality?
  • How would you define virtue?
  • How do you create a virtuous life? What does it take?

Your Responsibility:

-Come prepared!

-Be able to give examples that are in-depth and concrete

-Explain your thinking and your answers. You will be having a discussion which means you need to be able to discuss your own opinions, give examples of what you mean, and explain your reasoning.

-You will also need to create a list of questions about faith and religion and morality that you will be able to ask your peers (3-5 questions).

How to Prepare:

  • Answer the questions above on this sheet completely (with examples to back up your responses). These are the questions that will guide our seminar discussion.
  • Use the Questions/Answers/Scenarios/Examples from the documentary, “Beyond Our Differences” to help you.
  • Use the Questions/Scenarios/Examples from the movie, “The Long Walk Home” to help you.
  • Use the Questions/Answers from your “Peer/Adult Morality Interview”.

Seminar Discussion:

Total Points: ______/30

(You will be graded during the Socratic Seminar)