Thinking is the New Scrolling
SOCRATIC CARDS are deep, and fun, questions that spark meaningful conversations. For evenings with friends, dorm room late nights, jump-starting meetings, or long sails. Or saving a dinner party.
In our high-tech world, some of the best moments happen when people gather. Use Socratic Cards for talking, thinking about the future, getting glimpses into who you really are.
Or just pass them around at holiday parties and see what happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Socratic questions and Socratic Cards?
Socratic questions are open-ended questions asked and discussed to explore complex ideas. They are a fun way to spark deep conversations.
Everyone loves good Socratic questions, but coming up with bracing ones can be a challenge. Socratic Cards has 50 poker sized cards, and 50 questions that matter.
The deck is structured around models of growth and purpose that align with John Wooden (as popularized by Ted Lasso), Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, and Charlie Munger's mental models. And Socrates, of course.
Developed in New England and printed in the USA.
Who are they for?
Socratic Cards are designed for social gatherings with friends or family. Pack a few decks when heading off to school, to summer houses, or on ski trips. Perfect hostess gifts and stocking stuffers.
And they're even good for boring things like kicking off business meetings or for classroom discussions.
Is Socratic Cards a game?
It can be. Or an ice breaker. Or for shooting the breeze. Or for self-reflection. If you're playing Socratic Cards as a game, here are simple rules.
Simple game rules. Click to expand.
Between 1 and 8 participants. From 15 to 60 minutes.
- The Host selects and reads a question.
- Everyone takes a position (often by show of hands). Discuss—ask "why?" and question each other.
- Continue as long as there's energy. At the end, each participant can callout (award a point to) an insightful comment (the bon mot) from the conversation.
- Repeat for as many questions as you like.
What is the story behind Socratic Cards?
One of the greatest New England traditions happens during and after dinner, when friends and families dig into great conversations. This has always been where character has been forged. So when Muffy Aldrich was editing a project by her husband, Clark Aldrich, she pulled out 50 of his Socratic questions that embodied this tradition. The result is this deck.
Clark Aldrich
Clark Aldrich is a global authority on experiential learning, with a specialty in developing leaders. He is the award-winning author of six books — including Unschooling Rules and Learning By Doing — and an award- and patent-winning designer of educational simulations and serious games.
Read Clark's full bio →Muffy Aldrich
Muffy Aldrich has been the editor of Salt Water New England since 2010. She can also be found on her Substack, The Thing Before Preppy, and Instagram. She is a long-time editor of her husband's work.
