Pedagogical Approaches
Socratic Method
suh-KRAT-ik
Also Known As Maieutic Method
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The pedagogical approach built on argumentative dialogue, in which a teacher probes a student's stated beliefs with further questions to test their internal consistency, rather than transmitting information directly.
Facts
Central QuestionCan sustained questioning of a learner's own stated beliefs, rather than direct instruction, expose contradictions and lead the learner toward a more coherent understanding on their own? 1 Most Effective ForDeveloping critical thinking and argumentation skills, since the method treats one question as leading to further questions rather than settling on a single transmitted answer. 2 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Developed By
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Philosophy Atlas: Socrates, originated there.
Sources
1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Stanford University, Metaphysics Research LabSocrates entryQuote, Socrates entry
known for confusing, stinging, and stunning his conversation partners into the unpleasant experience of realizing their own ignorance
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationSocratic method pageQuote, Socratic method page
a form of argumentative dialogue in which an individual probes a conversation partner on a topic, using questions and clarifications
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationSocratic method page, educational effectiveness sectionQuote, Socratic method page, educational effectiveness section
all new knowledge is connected to prior knowledge, that all thinking comes from asking questions, and that asking one question should lead to asking further questions
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationSocratic method page, alternate names sectionQuote, Socratic method page, alternate names section
also known as Socratic debate, the maieutic method, or the Socratic dialectic
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Plato's Academy, Academy (Plato), teaching methodQuote, Associated With: Plato's Academy, Academy (Plato), teaching method
During Plato's time, the school did not have any particular doctrine to teach; rather, Plato (and probably other associates of his) posed problems to be studied and solved by the others.
Wikipedia: Socrates
Wikimedia FoundationDeveloped By: Socrates, Socrates entry, lead sectionQuote, Developed By: Socrates, Socrates entry, lead section
The Platonic Socrates lends his name to the concept of the Socratic method, and also to Socratic irony.
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