Philosophy: The Socratic Method

Origin

Socrates is a legendary philosopher born during the Ancient Greek’s golden era over 2 millennia ago. He is regarded as one of the most intellectual philosophers in recorded history. The strange thing about this wiseman is that he never wrote any of his actual thoughts down. All that we know about him and his beliefs were inscribed by his disciples.

The most notable one being Plato. Socrates was known for his advanced critical thinking skills and often used several method to find such truth. One his wisest methods of obtaining truth values became known as the socratic method.

What is the Socratic Method?

Socrates method of obtaining truth was questioning his students endlessly. With constant questioning he searched for fallacious contradictions to eventually arrive at the foundations of various beliefs. Thus any arguments that contained fallacies were re-examined and any arguments that did not contain fallacies were accepted as truth.

Critical Thinking

The socratic method is not aimed at disproving or intimidating new pupils. Rather it seeks to promote their critical thinking skills. As such the socratic method should be used assertively not aggressively; lest one shies away the respect of his opponent.

Types of Socratic Questions

Could you put that another way?
Can you give me an example?
How do you know?
What would change your mind?
What are you implying by that?
What effect would that have?
What is an alternative?

Who uses the Socratic Method?

Several law schools have took to using the socratic method in their legal lectures. It really does bring out good discussion and habituates these future lawyers into asking questions. The socratic method is also thought to have influenced the early scientific method. The only thing about the socratic method is that it actively seeks to falsify rather than prove any justifications. Almost like a negative hypothesis. In any case I would definitely suggest that my readers apply the socratic method to every aspect of your life. It’s a good way to expand your horizon beyond simply just gathering information.

References

SOCRATIC QUESTIONS Enhancing Your Critical Thinking Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/questions_socratic.html

The Socratic Method. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.law.uchicago.edu/prospectives/lifeofthemind/socraticmethod

Socratic Teaching. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/socratic-teaching/606