Students ask, ‘What is the value of empathy to our society?’ at May 28 Harwood Socrates Café

May 19, 2026 |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Harwood students lead a discussion session with community members at a Socrates Cafe. File photo by Kathy Cadwell

In keeping with a Harwood Union High School tradition, Harwood students invite community members to join them for a Socrates Café on Thursday, May 28, in the school library.

Students in Harwood’s Harkness Leadership class will host the community discussion event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

A Socrates Café is an exercise to engage in dialogue around timeless and timely questions. The question for the upcoming event is: What is the value of empathy to our society? 

Student organizers explain that, rather than debating or merely discussing, a Socrates Café dialogue encourages participants to listen to and learn from one another. This form of discourse – and its focus on the search for knowledge – originated with the Greek philosopher Socrates, who observed that “Wisdom begins in wonder.” 

These gatherings are free to attend and open to all community members, regardless of age, experience, or background. Harwood students experienced in leading Socratic dialogues will facilitate. Refreshments will be provided.  

Direct any questions to Harwood English teacher and Harkness Coach Eve Berinati at eberinati@huusd.org.