The Socratic Method
What is it?
Socrates was a Greek philosopher who lived 400 – 399 BC.
Known as the ‘Father of Western Philosophy’.
He developed a method of questioning designed to stimulate
critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions of the
individual.
It is useful in teaching, therapy and as your own individual
growth and self- awareness.
In practice it looks like asking some very basic inquisitive
questions that can further clarify assumptions, perspectives, evidence and
consequences. Such as;
‘Why do you say/ think that’
‘What do you mean when you say..’
‘Are you saying..’
‘Can we provide an example that supports this view’
‘What are the long- term effects of this viewpoint’
‘Do we have all the information’
‘What would someone else think, why’
These questions allow us to form critical thinking. In
teaching this allows students to probe and develop problem solving skills. In
therapy this helps define problems, identify thoughts and beliefs, provide the meaning
of personal events and can divulge the ramifications of particular thoughts or
behaviour. In our own personal everyday lives asking questions of our actions
and beliefs can lead to further growth and in dialogue with another person can
lead to deeper connections beneficial in personal and business relationships.
We learn through curiosity and experience, both arise from
questioning, without using the Socratic Method we miss relevant internal
thinking and opportunities to expand our growth and awareness.
As often a default we may approach listening to hear only
what benefits us, thus we set up filters or codes programmed so we only hear
(receive) information set to that. Once that is met we can shut off, we are no
longer fully engaged in the dialogue and any further learning is mostly mute.
Asking questions keeps the conversation and learning channels alive and
focused.
As a teacher and therapist we want to foster a community of
individuals who are adaptive, conscientious and aware of both their limitations
and potential. A set of questioning that we can learn through the use of the
Socratic Method is one of the most advantageous gifts to humankind.
Additional sources to further learn about the Socratic
Method and where it may be appropriate to use;
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