About Socrates

The Socrates Society provides a forum for emerging leaders (ages approximately 28-45) to come together from different professional sectors to explore contemporary issues through expert-moderated dialogue.

Socrates offers weekend long seminars in Aspen semi-annually, and on occasion at the Institute’s Wye River campus in Maryland, and daylong salons in New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, San Francisco and other cities. Socrates also offers customized seminars. Seminar participants are provided ample time for interaction, relationship-building and outdoor activities. Past topics include bioethics, energy security, the future of democracy, religious fundamentalism, globalization, media and values, repairing the US economy, and innovation.

At the core of Socrates is a remarkable group of emerging and recognized leaders including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, representatives of government, international, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, academics and journalists. Participant ages generally range from late twenties to late forties, and all interested participants are welcome.

Founded 13 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalists Gary and Laura Lauder, Socrates topics continue to be current and provocative, participants diverse, and the moderators recognized thought leaders in their respective fields. Almost half of the attendees at any given session are return participants, with some having participated in seminars for over a decade.

For more information:
Melissa Ingber
Director, Socrates Society