The Socratic Method
Dec 02, 2023The Socratic method is a form of inquiry and discussion between people, in which participants attempt to get to the truth of a matter by questioning one another. The Socratic method is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, who used this method to challenge the assumptions of those he spoke with and to help them think more deeply about their beliefs.
Who is Socrates?
Socrates was a Greek philosopher who is credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. He was an enigmatic figure, and his ideas and thoughts have been studied and debated for centuries.
The Socratic method can be used in any situation where there is a question that needs to be answered. For example, you could use the Socratic method to explore the question, "What is the best way to live?" To do this, you would gather a group of people together and ask each person to share their thoughts on the question. Then, you would take turns questioning each other about your beliefs, probing for inconsistencies and asking for clarification.
The goal of the Socratic method is not to arrive at a definitive answer, but to get people to think more deeply about their beliefs and to consider different perspectives. By questioning each other in a respectful way, we can learn more about ourselves and the world around us.
Related Articles
Common Ancient Philosophies: An Exploration of Stoicism, Epicureanism, Cynicism, and More
Epicurus and Epicureanism: A Guide to Ancient Philosophy of Pleasure and Peace
Stoicism: The Ancient Philosophy of Inner Tranquility
Philosophy and the Search for the Existence of God
Category: General Philosophy