The Philosophical conversation

Three reasons why you’ll want to read this book

1. In the world of “philosophical conversations”, this is the reference
2. This is your guideline to uplift the quality of reflective conversations in your organisation
3. It is a witty and musical book full of positive energy 

Read (a part of) the introduction below:

Read a part

What people are saying about ‘The Philosophical Conversation’:

The lightest practical and most theoretical introduction to philosophical practice there is. 

– Extract from the jury report for the Dutch version of the book, elected as winning book of the Berrie Heesen prize of the Centre of P4C in the Netherlands, 2021

It would be an understatement to describe this book as a fun read. Kristof has demonstrated how dialogue can be philosophical and practical at the same time, something unique to many Asian readers but should really be universal.

– Shiro Ando, International Peace Worker (Myanmar), Author and Founder of Philosophy Squats

Following Socrates, the third Earl of Shaftesbury introduced  philosophic conversations to educate the new class of citizens that emerged during the English Enlightenment; fun, humor,  and art were essential for effective dialogues then as they  are now. In that delightful study of the basics of philosophic conversation and for the benefit of us all, both experienced  and aspiring philosophers, Van Rossem masterfully teaches us how to successfully lead enjoyable, and therefore, efficacious, conversations on philosophic topics.

– Lydia Amir, Department of Philosophy, Tufts University, USA; Founding Editor of Lexington Series in Philosophical Practice; President of the Israeli Association for Philosophical Practice and Adjunct-Director of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association

A highly recommended book. Kristof’s passion, dedication and valuable experience in his work can be seen in this highly schematic, fresh, clear and example-filled book. I recommend it  with pleasure.

– David Sumiacher D’Angelo, General Director of CECAPFI and President of CECAPFI International (Mexico City)

Fun and joy-filled, Kristof uses wonderful analogies and metaphors to bring the art of facilitating philosophical conversations to life, and deftly uses conversations in the book to illustrate the science of questioning and thinking philosophically.

– Emma Swinn, MBE, President of SOPHIA Network of P4C (Europe) and Co-CEO of The Philosophy Foundation (UK)

The book offers something so rare as an enjoyable reading combined with profound lessons about how to perform philosophical dialogues professionally as well as in your everyday life. This will certainly be a book that I will use in training of teachers, nurses, social workers, leaders, to get  proficient in guiding philosophical dialogues. 

– Dr. Ann S. Pihlgren, Research Director at Ignite Research Institute, Sweden and Spain

It is the book that every philosophical discussion leader (especially in the making) should have on his bedside table.

– Peter Schmitz, Socratic moderator and philosophical practitioner, the Netherlands

A good philosophical conversation is not so easy to conduct. A good, competent, effective discussion leader (philosophy teacher) is indispensable. Grips are essential and good exercises are definitely necessary. Thanks to Kristof Van Rossem’s new book, there is now a wealth of tools and good exercises. Definitely recommended for philosophy teachers and their trainers.

– Dr. Natascha Kienstra, assistant professor of practical philosophy and didactics, School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands

Do you really want to learn how to conduct or guide a  philosophical conversation? Then this book is a must-read. In contrast to the somewhat popular reading about Socratic  conversations, this book does take the reader seriously. It is well written, nuanced and easy to understand for beginners and experts alike. Kristof Van Rossem shows that he is one of the  absolute experts in the field of philosophical conversation.

– Barry Mahoney, PhD student and teacher trainer, citizenship education

“Reflection begins where the expression of personal opinion is disrupted. After all, if in a conversation you only repeat what you have thought about something for a long time, you are  not reflecting.” One of the many wise lessons from Kristof Van Rossem’s new book, in which he clearly explains the usefulness of philosophizing. And meanwhile, we will read about the inspirations and creativity of the Romanian Orchestra Lautarii. For anyone who wants to (learn to) ask compelling questions, who does not hesitate to ‘question evidence’ and who, in short, wants to learn how to have better conversations, read The Philosophical Conversation!

– Jos Mevis, manager, Queresta, the Netherlands