Unit 1: An Introduction to the Socratic Method
Return to: ETAP 623 Spring 2020 (Zhang) | Jonah Schumacher | Fostering Critical Thinking Skills using the Socratic Method
Proformance Objectives
In this unit, learners will:
• Compare ancient and modern examples of the Socratic Method.
• Attempt to recognize and explain the function of the Socratic Method in the examples.
Mini-lecture
The Socratic Method (also known as Socratic Dialogue or Socratic Questioning) is an ancient and relatively simple form of dialogue where questions are used to bring to surface underlying assumptions and develop a clearer picture of the topic at hand. It is important to note that the Socratic Method often does not lead to a clear answer, nor is it necessarily intended to, but it merely allows one to develop a greater comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.
Because the Socratic Method is so simple, it is used widely, formally, and informally. You likely have engaged in Socratic Dialogue without being aware of doing so. In practice, someone making use of the method may remind one of a toddler constantly asking questions, and in a way, this would not be an inaccurate connection.
In what follows, we will look at an ancient, original example and a modern comedic take on the method.
Examples
The following dialogue is an excerpt from Plato's Republic, a prominent text in philosophy. Many of Plato's writings are formatted into dialogue with other characters.
For background and context, the central question in the Republic is what is the nature of Justice? And in the following scene, Plato's character Socrates asks his friends what they think justice is. Keep in mind if the writing seems strange that this text is translated from the original ancient Greek and is over 2,000 years old!
Ancient
Polemarchus: In my opinion, it (Justice) is in making war and being an ally in battle."
Socrates: "All right. However, to men who are not sick, my friend Polemarchus, a doctor is useless."
Polemarchus: "True."
Socrates: "And to men who are not sailing, a pilot."
Polemarchus: "Yes."
Socrates: "Then to men who are not at war, is the just man useless?"
Polemarchus: "Hardly so, in my opinion."
Socrates: "Then is justice also useful in peacetime?"
Polemarchus: "It is useful." (322e - 333a).
Modern
The following video is from a Monty Python movie. They were a famous British comedic troupe several decades ago, so the video has a bit more humor than the previous example (though Plato could be quite the jokester at times).
When watching the video, look for similarities between it and the previous example from the Republic.
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Reflection Activity
After reading the example and watching the video, reflect on them on the following page:
Course Units
Fostering Critical Thinking Skills using the Socratic Method
Unit 1: An Introduction to the Socratic Method
Unit 2: The Socratic Method: Step-by-Step
Unit 3: How can I use the Socratic Method in my classroom?
Extended Resources/References
For more examples of Socratic Dialogue: