Socrates Teachings

Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.

Socrates

 

 

 

Socrates (469 – 399 B.C.) was one of the greatest educators who taught by asking questions and thus drawing out answers from his pupils. His pupils include Plato and Aristotle.

Socratic Method is a dialectic method of inquiry, that uses cross-examination of someone's claims and premises in order to reveal out a contradiction or internal inconsistency among them.

Socratic questioning is at the heart of critical thinking – they enhance your critical thinking skills. Socratic questions challenge accuracy and completeness of thinking in a way that acts to move people towards their ultimate goal.

The primary learning goal of Socratic method is to explore the contours of often difficult issues and to learn critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking is the process we use to reflect on, access and judge the assumptions underlying our own and others ideas and actions.

In the new era of rapid change, you must constantly expand your horizons beyond simple gathering information and relying on the basic principles.

In business, Socratic method and Socratic questions are often used by lawyers, engineers, innovators, etc.

For instance, when used by lawyers, the Socratic questioning involves asking a series of questions surrounding a central issue, and answering questions of the others involved. The idea is to expose the opponents contradictions in such a way that proves the inquirer's own point.

Socratic Thinking will also help you think critically about everyday issues. >>>

 

 

Socrates Teachings

The unexamined life is not worth living.

Socrates

   

Six Types of Socratic Questions

Based on the taxonomy of Socratic questions created by Richard Paul, author of

Critical Thinking: How to Prepare Students for a Rapidly Changing World

   

 

 

Socrates Teachings

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.  >>>

Socrates

 

 

Types of Questions

Sample Questions

1

Clarification

What do you mean by ____?

Could say this in different words or metaphorically?

Could you give me an example?

2

Probing Assumptions

What are you assuming?

How did you choose those assumptions?

What if we assume something different?

3

Probing Reasons and Evidence

How do you know?

Why do you think that is true?

What could change your mind?

4

Viewpoint and Perspectives

What are you implying by that?

What effect would that have?

What is an alternative?

5

Probing Implications and Consequences

Why is this issue important?

How can we find out?

What generalizations can you make?

6

Questions about Questions

What does that mean?

What was the point of this question?

Why do you think I asked this question?

 

 

 

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