Frequently Asked Questions
What are Socratic questions?
Socratic questions are open-ended questions asked and discussed to explore complex ideas. Everyone loves good Socratic questions, but coming up with meaningful ones can be hard. The Standard Edition of Socratic Cards provides 50 questions that matter.
What are Socratic Cards?
A deck of Socratic Cards is a fun way to spark deep conversations. 50 poker sized cards, 50 questions that matter. Designed in New England and printed in the US.
The Pro Edition of Socratic Cards adds more work-centric questions, real world challenges, and a progression path towards becoming a mentor and leader.
Is Socratic Cards a game?
A Socratic Cards deck has simple rules to play as a game. But as with trivia questions, these rules are optional.
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 clear position (often by show of hands). Discuss—ask “why?” and question each other.
- Continue as long as there is 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.
The Pro Edition of Socratic Cards adds more complicated rules including a leadership progression path.
Who is the audience?
Socratic Cards – Standard Edition is designed for social settings, friends, and family. Age 14 on up. Pack a few decks when heading off to the summer house or to the dorm. They make perfect hostess gifts and stocking stuffers. The questions are also for business leaders to engage their groups, such as at the beginning of a staff meeting. And instructors find that a ten minute Socratic Cards discussion helps add purpose to a class.
Who designed Socratic Cards?
Socratic Cards were developed by Clark Aldrich with his long-time editor Muffy Aldrich based on collaborations with high performing leaders across sectors.
What is the philosophy behind the deck?
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.
What is the Pro Edition?
The Pro Edition of Socratic Cards is for groups to develop leadership skills, typically in an organization. It adds more work-centric questions, real world challenges, and a progression path towards becoming a mentor and leader. In the video excerpt from his presentation at iGBL (The International Conference on Game-Based Learning) 2026, Clark Aldrich explains the gameplay of Socratic Cards, and how the Pro Edition fits in.