Philosophical Chairs

Philosophical Chairs is a strategy for exploring a controversial topic through student discussion. It is not a debate, but rather an opportunity for students to defend, deepen, and fine-tune their ideas through discussion. Students are given a central topic or question that they must choose to agree, disagree or be neutral regarding the answer.

The purpose of this format is to promote discussions. Students are encouraged to keep an open mind by listening to what the speaker is saying without leaping to judgement.

• Allows students to critically think, verbally ponder and logically write their beliefs.
• Students obtain intensive practice in weighing the supporting and opposing arguments in a discussion.
• Students develop sensitivity to their own and others’ opinions.

1. Teacher decides on a controversial statement that students can either agree with or disagree with or be neutral with it. To ensure to pick a statement that has the potential to divide the class equally, that has strong arguments from both sides, and that is complex enough to challenge students’ thinking.
2. Split the room into two sides facing each other. Designate one side for students who agree with the statement, and the other side for students who disagree. Provide one corner for those who are undecided.
3. Students are told that they will argue the merits of the question and that their choice of seat during discussion will illustrate their position. They will have the opportunity to move as their minds change.
4. Teacher acts as a moderator whose roles are to help speakers to stay on topic, to see that everyone gets a chance to speak and ask additional probing questions to keep the discussion going.
5. One student will begin by explaining why he/she is taking the pro/con position.
6. Students take turns defending their position.
7. Students in the neutral zone must take notes on both sides of the argument. These students can also ask questions during the discussion. At the end of the discussion, you will be asked to explain what arguments, if any, cause you to change your position.
8. At the end of the discussion, one student from each team will summarise the viewpoints presented during the discussion by his/her team.