Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who attends Socrates Seminars?
These programs were initiated to engage young, dynamic, and civically minded leaders of organizations in thoughtful dialogue about important and contemporary issues. Socrates appeals especially to leaders and top executives whose professional and civic lives are challenged by the issues raised in these seminars. Socrates participants include men and women in their late twenties to early fifties; however, anyone with an interest can attend. 

2. Is this something I can bring my family to? If so, what is available for my children to do while I am in a seminar?
Socrates welcomes children at all of our non-seminar events, and indeed participants will often turn this into a family vacation opportunity. We can help to arrange childcare for the younger children in your family and there is a Teen Socrates seminar for older kids. For information on February and July activities, please see the Children's Activities page.

3. Must one be knowledgeable about the seminar topic to participate?
While many do bring special knowledge to the seminar table, interest is all that is required to participate. The texts provide context for and guide the discussions.

For further information, please click here. You may also contact Lu Duong for more information: lu.duong@aspeninstitute.org.

4. May auditors attend Socrates programs?
Yes, you can audit a Socrates seminar at a reduced rate. Auditors are asked to sit in the chairs that are against the walls, and not to raise questions or offer comments during the sessions themselves, though they are certainly welcome to do so when the seminars are not in session.

5. Can I get access to the internet in the Aspen Institute seminar rooms?
Yes. There is free wireless, high-speed internet access in the Koch and Boettcher seminar buildings that is available to all Socrates participants.
(Wi Fi = 802.11b).