Lipman and Socrates: A Dialogue

Abstract

Introduction: Residents of the Green Hill Retirement Community spent Christmas as best they could, each with their ailments, each with their old age. They received visits from relatives and friends, some more than others. Several even received gifts. But the festive atmosphere is now behind them. Today the usual routine is back, with the same things repeating in the usual fashion. In the afternoon, Mat and a small group of friends gather for their philosophical meeting, as had become custom. They always assemble in the library, a cosy intimate space with few books but a lot of light, thanks to the large windows overlooking the garden. Every time they meet, they arrange the armchairs in a circle, and Mat gives each participant a copy of a text. They read it out loud little by little and from there are inspired to choose the topic to address.