(SPLIT) The Socratic Method: Does it work?

[spockrates]

But what is your next question, my friend?

 

[EricFilmer]

Generally speaking, I am favorable of the Socratic Method because I think it is related to the techniques of critical thinking. When done properly, it can be a dialog in which one person guides another into properly questioning the validity of previously made assumptions.

In terms of people who are already knowledgeable about the importance of critical thinking, they formulate a hypothesis and then basically question it in the manner that Socrates would (and therefore testing the hypothesis prior to reaching a conclusion).

 

[spockrates]

Generally speaking, I am favorable of the Socratic Method because I think it is related to the techniques of critical thinking. When done properly, it can be a dialog in which one person guides another into properly questioning the validity of previously made assumptions.

In terms of people who are already knowledgeable about the importance of critical thinking, they formulate a hypothesis and then basically question it in the manner that Socrates would (and therefore testing the hypothesis prior to reaching a conclusion).

I agree. Some tell me the Socratic Method is not a good method to discern the truth, but when I ask them why, they are not able to answer my questions. I suppose if they are correct, asking them questions would not help me know whether what they say is true, anyway!

 

[ahs]

Generally speaking, I am favorable of the Socratic Method because I think it is related to the techniques of critical thinking. When done properly, it can be a dialog in which one person guides another into properly questioning the validity of previously made assumptions.

In terms of people who are already knowledgeable about the importance of critical thinking, they formulate a hypothesis and then basically question it in the manner that Socrates would (and therefore testing the hypothesis prior to reaching a conclusion).

I agree with this, especially the critical thinking aspect. I am only newly exposed to this method, but I’ve found it helpful in my own education. I once approached my Priest to let him know that I was planning on sending a letter to several Protestants to give them the “real Truth”. Instead of pointing out my ignorance and simply correcting me, he just asked me a couple questions, and immediately I realized there were many faults in my letter. Since he would not tell me the answer to each criticism, I was forced to go and read some history books and apologetics books…and now I know the answers to those questions he asked, and understand how to relate that information to others.