ILS Socratic Seminars provide a chance for small groups of students to spend a weekend in discussion, led by a professor with expertise in the subject. These seminars begin on a Friday and end on a Sunday and allow a group of about 15 to devote an extended period of time to intensive conversation based in a set of assigned readings. Informal discussion often takes place during breaks, meals, and evening socials.
These seminars are based on the idea that people learn best when they are active participants in a discussion among peers. Group size is strictly limited and participation is by invitation only. Students are joined by a professor who guides the conversation, but allows students to shape the discussion.
Examples of these seminars are listed below.
- Elinor and Vincent Ostrom on Choice, Rules, and Collective Action – Discussion Leader: Filippo Sabetti (McGill University
- An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations – Discussion Leader: Janet Bufton (Institute for Liberal Studies)
- Civil Society, Mutual Aid, and the Welfare State – Discussion Leader: Michael Munger (Duke University)
- Introduction to Austrian Economics – Discussion Leader: Glenn Fox (University of Guelph)
- The Problems of Public Choice – Discussion Leader: David R. Henderson (Naval Postgraduate School)