Socrates. The Annoying Master Conversationalist -Part2

The Socratic Method and its Application

The Socratic method is based on the idea that the best way to learn is through questioning. The person practicing the method doesn’t provide answers, but rather guides and provokes others towards seeking and finding their own answers. And that’s why the it is considered a powerful tool for critical thinking and problem-solving.

Although the Socratic Method can be used in any conversation, its application is more useful and effective when the topic is complex or controversial. When people are called to discuss something they feel strongly about, they can feel challenged and be defensive and resistant to new ideas. The Socratic method overcomes that barrier since there’s no contradicting ideas involved in the conversation. One person asks questions claiming ignorance, the other responds and basically hears his own ideas and explanations about the subject.

And it goes like this… A question requires thinking to be answered. Those thoughts stem from our knowledge of the subject, or beliefs and assumptions on it. A process which may lead us to question or reevaluate their validity. It causes us to challenge our beliefs. Because, in the process of trying to express and defend what we believe, we are filtering our thoughts, restructuring them and approaching them from a point we might not have previously been aware of.

Here’s an example of the Socratic method applied on a conversation:

Socrates sees a man reading a book and decides to sit next to him and start a conversation.

“Hi there! What are you reading?” Socrates asked.

“Oh, hey…I’m reading a philosophy book,” the man replied.

“That’s interesting! What subject are you reading about?” Socrates asked.

“Just learning about the Socratic method,” the man said.

“The Socratic method?” Socrates asked. “Can you tell me about it?”

“Sure!” said the man as he went ahead to explain the Socratic method to Socrates. Socrates was intrigued. “Want to practice?” He asked the man.

The man made the mistake to agree, and Socrates started to question him.

Socrates asked the man a bunch of questions, one after the other. And the man tried to answer them. Socrates just wouldn’t stop. Anything the man responded, he would turn into a question. Imagine the most annoying child trying to figure out how the world works type of questions. The man eventually became confused. He didn’t know how to answer Socrates’ questions, and, as expected, he yells in frustration:

“I don’t understand!” “I thought I knew what I was talking about, but now I feel like I don’t have an idea what I’m talking about!”

“Operation success!” Socrates said. “I wasn’t trying to prove you wrong or confirm you’re right.” All my annoying questions were aiming to making you think critically about your own beliefs and in extension, your understanding of the world around you.”

“Thank you for the conversation”! said Socrates as he got up and continued his walk with a smile on his face.

“Yeah…sure…” said the man as he rolled his eyes and turned back to the first page of the book.

Please see the following article for Part 1, “Who is Socrates”