Spectrum Street Epistemology Training Manual
Epistemology (n) /ɪˌpɪstəˈmɒlədʒi/
The theory of knowledge, especially regarding its methods, validity, and scope. The philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge.
Spectrum (n) /ˈspɛktrəm/
Used to classify something in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme points.
WHAT IS SPECTRUM STREET EPISTEMOLOGY (SSE)?
Spectrum Street Epistemology (SSE) is a fun, structured conversational method designed to help people explore and understand the reasons behind their beliefs in a non-confrontational way. It builds on the principles of Street Epistemology (SE)—a technique rooted in the Socratic method—which uses questioning to encourage critical thinking and reasoning. What sets SSE apart is its interactive, visual component: participants physically position themselves along a spectrum to represent their level of agreement or disagreement with a specific claim.
SSE is not about winning arguments or proving someone wrong. Instead, encouraging participants to reflect on why they believe what they believe, it focuses on fostering civil discourse, understanding the perspectives of others, calibrating confidence in a belief to the evidence, and providing enduring reasoning tools individuals can use after the session ends.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Spectrum Street Epistemology is typically conducted in a group setting with at least two participants and a facilitator. The process involves several steps:
- Generate Claims: The group starts by coming up with statements or claims to discuss. In an educational context, these would be drawn from class content and the teacher’s learning objectives from that week. Claims can cover a wide range of topics; examples might include, “Happiness is overrated,” “The death penalty is never morally justified”.
- Set Up the Spectrum: A physical spectrum is created, often using tape lines on the floor or mats (NPA provides these). It consists of at least seven positions:
- Middle line: Neutral (no strong opinion or “I don’t know”)
- Three lines to the left: Slightly disagree, disagree, strongly disagree
- Three lines to the right: Slightly agree, agree, strongly agree .
Alternatively, if space is not an issue, “Absolutely Disagree” and “Absolutely Agree” can be added. This layout visually represents the range of possible stances on a claim.
- Position and Discussion
- All participants begin on the neutral line (or mat).
- The moderator presents a claim and gives a countdown (“3, 2, 1, move!”).
- Participants then walk to the line that best reflects their stance on the claim.
- Once positioned, they briefly discuss their reasons for standing where they are and what it would take for them to move one line/mat to the right or left.
- The moderator ensures the conversation stays respectful, focusing on understanding, justification, falsifiability—not debating.
- Explore Reasons and Evidence: The discussion should focus on why people hold their positions, whether they can explain the other person’s position in a way that the individual with whom they disagree says they understood correctly, and what it would take to change their minds. Questions might include:
- Why are you standing where you are standing?
- What evidence supports your position?
- What would it take for you to move to a different position on the spectrum? What would it take you to change your mind?
The goal is to uncover the reasoning and assumptions behind beliefs and what it would take for someone to change their mind—not to force anyone to change their mind.
KEY FEATURES
- Non-Confrontational: Unlike traditional debates, Spectrum Street Epistemology prioritizes understanding over winning. SSE is about exploring beliefs and not attacking others for their beliefs.
- Physical and Visual: The act of moving along the spectrum makes abstract opinions visible and helps participants see where others stand—literally and figuratively.
- Socratic Roots: SSE uses open-ended questions to stimulate reflection and critical thinking. It is an “updated” version of the Socratic method.
- Flexible Application: SSE can be applied to virtually any topic, from everyday opinions to deeply held convictions.
- Curriculum Reflection: Educators can use SSE to help students think more deeply about the material, engage others with different opinions, and offer a fun “break” from standard pedagogical models.
WHAT SSE DOES NOT DO:
- SSE should not be used for memorization. For example, it cannot help students memorize the timetables or the location of various organs in the body or countries on a map.
WHY SSE MATTERS
SSE is gaining attention as a tool for civil discourse, especially in an era of polarization. (It has been used to discuss controversial topics like gender identity, politics, and religion.) Based on Peter Boghossian’s book, How to Have Impossible Conversations, in a non-adversarial way, SSE encourages participants to critically examine their beliefs and consider opposing views. It promotes thoughtful dialogue, mutual understanding, and reflection.
SSE is an interactive, structured way to explore beliefs using a physical spectrum of agreement and disagreement. It emphasizes understanding over confrontation. Students discuss claims, position themselves based on their opinion, and explore the reasoning behind their views—all facilitated by a moderator. It’s a fun, engaging, and powerful tool for fostering critical thinking and respectful conversation on various topics and learning objectives.
For video examples, please visit my Youtube Channel.
You can purchase the SSE mats through our Merch Page.