What is the Socratic Method?

The Debate of Socrates and Aspasia by Nicolas-André Monsiau. Socrates’s discussions were not limited to a small elite group; he engaged in dialogues with foreigners and with people from all social classes and of all genders.

The Socratic method, also known as the method of elenchus, or elenctic method, or Socratic debate, is a way of questioning that was used by Socrates to examine the beliefs, opinions, and assumptions of his interlocutors.

The Socratic method is a method of questioning that aims to clarify and refine one’s own beliefs, as well as to expose contradictions or false assumptions in the beliefs of others.

There are several works that are considered classic texts on the Socratic method, which can provide a good introduction to the technique and its use. Some of these include:

1. “The Apology” by Plato: This work is a record of Socrates’ defense speech at his trial for corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods. It provides insight into Socrates’ approach to questioning and his belief in the importance of examining one’s own beliefs.
2. “Memorabilia” by Xenophon: This work is a collection of dialogues and conversations that Xenophon had with Socrates, and includes discussions on a variety of topics, including ethics, politics, and education. It provides insight into Socrates’ approach to questioning and the Socratic method.
3. “The Symposium” by Xenophon: This dialogue is a conversation among a group of friends, including Socrates, about the nature of love. It illustrates the Socratic method at work as Socrates questions the beliefs and assumptions of his interlocutors.
4. “The Oeconomicus” by Xenophon: This work is a dialogue on the subject of household management and economics, and includes a discussion of the virtues and qualities that are necessary for a good household manager. It illustrates the Socratic method as Socrates questions and examines the beliefs of his interlocutor.
5. “The Euthyphro” by Plato: This dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro deals with the concept of piety, and illustrates the Socratic method at work as Socrates questions Euthyphro’s definition of piety.
6. “The Crito” by Plato: In this dialogue, Socrates engages in a conversation with his friend Crito, in which he defends his decision to remain in prison and accept his death sentence rather than attempting to escape. The dialogue illustrates the Socratic method of questioning and examining one’s own beliefs and values.
7. “The Meno” by Plato: This dialogue explores the concept of knowledge and virtue, and illustrates the Socratic method of questioning as Socrates investigates the nature of knowledge with a slave boy.
8. “The Republic” by Plato: This work is a lengthy dialogue that explores a wide range of topics, including justice, the nature of the good life, and the ideal society. It includes several instances of the Socratic method at work as Socrates and his interlocutors discuss and debate various ideas.
9. “The Apology of Socrates to the Jury” by Xenophon: This work is a retelling of Socrates’ defense speech at his trial, as recorded by Xenophon. It provides an alternative perspective on the events of Socrates’ trial and his defense of his beliefs.

These works can provide a good introduction to the Socratic method and its use in philosophical inquiry. Reading them can help you understand the technique and how it can be used to examine and clarify one’s own beliefs and assumptions, as well as those of others.