Socratic conversation
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A 7-step intervision technique based on cardinal virtues: the presenter describes a situation up to the hot point, and the group explores the essence together.
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Step-by-step instructions
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Steps
- The presenter describes the situation like a film — up to the “heat point”. What is the core question?
- The group asks clarifying questions; the presenter answers factually.
- Stepping in: participants imagine themselves in the situation — what would they think, feel and do?
- Together, search for the essence: which cardinal virtue is central (justice, courage, prudence, temperance)?
- Formulate the virtuous attitude that fits.
- The presenter and participants each share their key insight.
- The group reflects on the conversation.
Settings
- Time per step (minutes) — optional. Set 0 for no timer. The method has 7 steps.
- Conversation principles (honest, listen, concrete, probe, together, patience) stay visible on every step.
- Preparation: one participant brings a real situation (case).
Tip: a practice case with AI
No real case at hand? Ask Microsoft Copilot: “Write a short moral dilemma about [topic/context] to practise a Socratic dialogue.” Use it as a practice case.
Tips for the facilitator
Group of 4–8 participants. Pen and paper. Optional: a reference card with the four cardinal virtues (justice, courage, prudence, temperance) as a memory aid.
- Briefly explain the four cardinal virtues before the session — this makes step 4 immediately more accessible for everyone
- In step 3 (perspective-taking): emphasise that participants really imagine themselves in the situation — no advice-giving, but feeling and thinking from the other's perspective
- Close with a jointly formulated virtuous attitude — this gives the group something concrete to take away
- Teachers, therapists or coaches who want to explore ethical dilemmas in their work
- Professional teams who want to reflect on attitude and values in their profession
- Colleagues from the same profession — healthcare, welfare or helping professions too
Described in: Bellersen, M. & Kohlmann, I. Praktijkboek Intervisie (3rd ed.). Boom. Based on the Socratic method via Leonard Nelson (1922) and Jos Kessels (1997).
Pairs well with
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