Teaching and Learning Based on Inquiry, Dialogue, and Community

In this episode, host Dr. Laurance Splitter reflects on the evolution of the podcast’s title from “Puzzlement and Passion without Certainty” to “The Rest is Uncertain: At the Intersection of Philosophy and Public Life.” He explores the challenge of navigating between extreme individualism and unhealthy tribalism, asking what kind of community truly fosters meaningful dialogue.

Drawing on his work in Philosophy for Children, Laurance introduces the concept of a community of inquiry — a relational network where individuals see themselves as “one among others.” Such communities aim to seek truth without prematurely claiming it — “aiming but not proclaiming.” Grounded in self-awareness, mutual awareness, and shared engagement with the world, this model rejects passive, transmission-style teaching in favor of collaborative knowledge-building through dialogue and language.

Connect with Dr. Laurance Splitter: LinkedIn