key term - Socratic Method

Definition

The Socratic method is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions. It is a foundational approach in classical philosophy and a key philosophical method for discovering truth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Socratic method was developed and employed by the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates as a way to expose the contradictions in people's beliefs and uncover the truth.
2. Socrates used the Socratic method to challenge his students' assumptions and preconceptions, guiding them to question their own knowledge and think critically.
3. The Socratic method is characterized by a series of questions that lead the respondent to recognize the limitations of their own understanding and to arrive at a new insight or conclusion.
4. The Socratic method is a key feature of Socrates' role as a 'paradigmatic historical philosopher' who exemplified the pursuit of wisdom through rigorous questioning and dialogue.
5. The Socratic method is a fundamental philosophical approach in classical philosophy, as it encourages the discovery of truth through the examination of ideas and the exposure of logical inconsistencies.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Socratic method relates to Socrates' role as a paradigmatic historical philosopher.
  • Socrates is considered a paradigmatic historical philosopher because he exemplified the pursuit of wisdom through the Socratic method. By engaging in a process of questioning and refuting the beliefs of his students, Socrates aimed to guide them towards a deeper understanding of the truth. The Socratic method was central to Socrates' philosophical approach, as it allowed him to challenge existing assumptions and uncover the limitations of people's knowledge, ultimately leading them to a state of greater self-awareness and intellectual humility.
• Describe how the Socratic method relates to the classical philosophical tradition.
  • The Socratic method is a fundamental philosophical approach in the classical philosophical tradition. By using a series of questions to expose the contradictions and flaws in people's beliefs, the Socratic method encourages the discovery of truth through the critical examination of ideas. This dialogical approach to philosophy, where knowledge is co-constructed through questioning and discussion, is a hallmark of the classical philosophical tradition exemplified by thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The Socratic method is a key philosophical method for discovering truth, as it requires individuals to engage in rigorous and systematic questioning to uncover the underlying assumptions and logical inconsistencies in their own and others' beliefs.
• Analyze how the Socratic method is a philosophical method for discovering truth.
  • The Socratic method is a powerful philosophical method for discovering truth because it challenges individuals to question their own beliefs and assumptions, rather than simply accepting them at face value. By leading respondents through a series of questions that expose the contradictions and limitations in their thinking, the Socratic method encourages critical reflection and the development of a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This process of questioning and refutation, known as elenchus, is a key feature of the Socratic method and allows for the gradual uncovering of truth through the collaborative examination of ideas. The Socratic method is thus a foundational approach in the philosophical tradition, as it empowers individuals to engage in the active pursuit of knowledge and the discovery of truth through rigorous, dialogical inquiry.

Related terms

Elenchus:

The Socratic technique of refuting an argument by showing that it leads to a contradiction, thereby exposing the flaws in the original position.

Maieutics:

The Socratic method of eliciting knowledge from someone by a series of questions, likened to a midwife (Greek: 'midwife') bringing forth ideas.

Dialectic:

The logical discussion of ideas and opinions to determine their validity, often involving the Socratic method of question-and-answer.