Socratic Seminar 1 Reflection

Depending on how we interpret it, America's original founding principles can vary in many different ways. The founding principles could mean the core ideas that inspired the creation for the nation. Some people might believe that America was based on the basic beliefs of self-government and liberty, since these were the very reasons why the colonies broke away from Great Britain. In order to be released from the strict grip of the British government, the colonies broke away to govern themselves and do what they pleased. Some people might believe that it was based on equality. The colonists, who were treated differently from the British citizens, felt that they were viewed unequally and deserved to be treated on the same level as any other British citizen. Some people might believe that America was based on opportunity. After the unsatisfactory experiences with Britain, America was the start for new beginnings.

It is for these very reasons why America is a nation "in search of itself--a country striving to realize its founding principles". Today, the exact founding principles of our nation are still unclear and arguable. It could be possible that all proposed ideas are right in a way, but some are simply more "right" than other. As a nation, we are still progressing and reforming our society today for the common good of the people. For example, our initial definition of "equality" during the nation's founding was very weak. As a result, for decades, women, slaves, and other minorities were neglected and ignored when they should have been guaranteed the rights any other man was given. Over the years, equality has been improved and built upon and is still reforming even today. America is currently trying to shrink the gap between the rich and poor not only to reduce the number of people living in poverty, but to also put the two classes of people on closer levels. America's original founding principles were never perfect. This the very reason why the Constitution has been lengthened with several amendments over the years. 

Today's debate wasn't bad for a first try. For a small debate with only five people who all had no idea of what to expect, it could have been much worse. Of course, the debate was a bit shaky. There were a couple of times when I wasn't exactly quite sure of what was being discussed since the questions and arguments were a bit hard to follow. Of course, this can be avoided by asking simplified questions that save time explaining. Every discussion will always have its awkward breaks and mutual silences from time to time. In order to keep the discussion moving, I need to learn how to naturally fill in these awkward spaces by feeling free to speak what is on my mind. One big inner flaw that people have is pride. While pride has its benefits by boosting our self-confidence and pleasure of fulfillment, it can hurt at the same time. No one likes to be wrong. In these debates, I need to learn to admit that I can be wrong, especially a lot of the time.