Shared Inquiry

Great Books discussion groups are a forum for thoughtful adults to read and discuss significant works of fiction, philosophy, political science, poetry, and drama. Great Books discussions are non-didactic, open-ended gatherings where people of all backgrounds come to talk about substantial literature and the great ideas and issues that literature addresses.

Discussions are lively, engaging, friendly, sometimes contentious, probing, enlightening—and a good deal of fun. Participants challenge their own and others' beliefs and opinions in the light of a rich, thought-provoking text.

The object of a Great Books discussion is not to go home with the "right answer." The object is to examine the many questions raised by a text and to test some of the many possible answers by looking back to the text, using sound reasoning informed by our own experience.

Great Books discussions are text-centered and employ a method of discussion called Shared Inquiry™. Shared Inquiry is collaborative and question-driven. A group explores an author's words for their meanings and implications and examines the many ways in which participants interpret and react to the issues the author raises. (Read about training that's available to lead or participate in Shared Inquiry.)

Great Books discussion groups differ from most book groups in following five rules, or guidelines. Adherence to these guidelines best promotes the kind of focused, in-depth discussion that Great Books groups aim for. The rules govern who can participate, what is discussed, how opinions are judged, and how discussion is led. Together, the rules foster an environment in which participants are challenged to think for themselves and puzzle out as a group a clearer understanding of a rich and complex piece of writing.

The leader in a Great Books discussion is a nonexpert, a member of the group. The advantage of the "lay leader" is precisely that he or she is not an expert and does not lecture to the group. A guiding principle of Great Books is the belief that individuals in a group can reach a substantial insight into a work by building upon one another's ideas. The leader's role is to advance this learning process through careful questioning.

The leader opens discussion with a basic interpretive question that genuinely interests and puzzles the leader. Participants then offer their answers to the leader's question and to one another's comments. The leader furthers the discussion by asking appropriate follow-up questions. Discussion is meant to flow like a conversation, with participants addressing and questioning one another directly.

The leader will frequently draw the group back to the text for evidence to support interpretations raised in the discussion. These references to the text help to keep the discussion focused and free from tangents and generalizations.

The discussion is limited to the selection at hand, without reference to other works by the author of the selection or to critical analyses of the author's works. This approach puts all participants on an equal footing and contributes to the effectiveness of a Great Books discussion.

An essential element for the success of a Great Books discussion is the preparation of the participants. Participants are expected to read the selection thoroughly before discussion. In fact, they are encouraged to read it at least twice. Those who have not read the selection are always welcome to come, sit quietly, and enjoy listening to the conversation.