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 Connections
Associated With
Developed By
Source Wikipedia: Socrates
Includes
Source Dialogic learning (Wikipedia)
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 page
a form of argumentative dialogue in which an individual probes a conversation partner on a topic, using questions and clarifications
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
Socratic method page, alternate names section
also known as Socratic debate, the maieutic method, or the Socratic dialectic
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.
View the Source 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.
Dialogic learning (Wikipedia)
Includes: Dialogic Learning, Lead section, second paragraphQuote, Includes: Dialogic Learning, Lead section, second paragraph
it is frequently linked to the Socratic dialogues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Socratic method deliberately make people uncomfortable?
Socrates was known for confusing, stinging and stunning his conversation partners into recognizing their own ignorance, treating that discomfort as the necessary first step toward genuine learning.
The Socratic method builds all new knowledge on questions rather than direct statements, on the premise that thinking begins with a question and that every answer should prompt a further one. Socrates himself, per the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, was known for confusing, stinging, and stunning his conversation partners into the unpleasant experience of realizing their own ignorance, treating that discomfort as the doorway into genuine inquiry rather than something to avoid.
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