New Acropolis main centre hosted a talk titled “Seeking Truth in a world of Opinions : Socratic Dialogue” on 7 February 2026.
Living in an age where we take part in viral debates and an almost never ending commentary on every topic, participants explored a central question: Is it enough to do what the world is doing, or are we called to search for something deeper? The speakers shared how human beings possess a natural curiosity that reaches beyond the apparent. In a world dominated by fake news and AI, separating what is truth from what is artificial can be difficult, this curiosity becomes more important than ever.
The conversation drew parallels to Ancient Greece where teachers known as Sophists trained young people to win arguments and succeed in public life. For Socrates this approach of victory in debate was not enough.
The ultimate objective he argued, was not to persuade a crowd but to live in alignment with truth.
The speakers shared how Socrates’ own background influenced and shaped his outlook. His father a sculptor and mother a midwife, he famously compared his method of questioning to helping others “give birth” to ideas already within them — and to sculpture, gradually chiseling away the unessential to reveal clearer understanding.
Through the talk the idea that dialogue requires opposing perspectives was shared with participants learning that respectful exchange, differing viewpoints can help us better our understanding and move the dialogue toward a broader perspective.
A practical exercise invited participants to explore questions such as “What is beauty?” and “What is happiness?” With the aim of learning to practice the principles of dialogue: listening carefully, respecting differing ideas, and allowing opinions to evolve.
The speakers concluded that a true school of philosophy can serve as a movement from opinion toward truth — not by eliminating opinions, but by treating them as stepping stones.
