The Socratic Method

SOCRATIC METHOD

The Socratic Method is to engage someone over the meaning of some term or idea, and then to cross-examine the opponent until a clear definition is achieved and cannot be refuted. This key idea has both strengths and weaknesses, which will be discussed in this paper.

One strength of Socrates' Method is that important meaning can be found by asking simple questions through discussion. The questions and answers develop into dialogue to search for an answer. Asking questions such as 'why?' really brings forth one's understanding of the topic. This method is more of a team effort in which both parties assist one another in attempting to answer complicated questions. Socratic dialogue is not just stating memorized facts, but applying critical thinking and understanding. Socrates believed that to truly know, is to understand. So by participating in intellectual discussion, one can demonstrate their understanding of the idea.

Asking questions like these are far from pointless. Questioning leads the person to the truth. It is really important because one needs to comprehend the essence of what is being discussed. Socrates said that 'the unexamined life is not worth living.' I think that this statement directly applies to the Socratic Method. One must question everything. Inquiring only leads to one's ideas and views, which can be further discussed to guide them to the answer that they are seeking. It is important to follow the argument until one has thoroughly questioned the answer and has gained insight into the beliefs held and logic used.

The advantage of asking simple, even one-word questions, is that it leaves the person to respond with many options to express their views. By further questioning the response, some answers can be immediately eliminated. Communication between individuals often leads to a mutual agreement of a clear answer. The desired outcome is that one will figure out and agree/disagree with the topic on their own.

Another strength of the Socratic Method is that it improves one's ability to communicate. It enhances a person's reasoning skills because it is vital to ask questions that will eventually express to the truth. The questioning continues by stating that the provided definition/answer is not clear enough. This leads to more in-depth answers that are nearer to the desired, well-structured answer. This forces the person to go beyond evident matters to consider its broader suggestions.

Using the Socratic Method not only increases communication skills, but further, forces one to analyze their own hypothesis. The method of questioning everything often makes one explore their own views and thoughts. This also improves the ability to reflect on ideas presented either by others or by one's self. When examining an issue in depth, one is challenged to re-think their own ideas, which promotes critical thinking. It is productive to examine your own beliefs, values, and logic. So, the Socratic Method improves communication, reasoning, and reflection skills.

The questions seem simple, but they are actually complex because they pick at the arguers weaknesses. A great aspect of Socrates' Method is one's own insight. The answer already lies within the individual. It is a good thing one learns to examine their own perceptions. Only positive things can arise because you are still learning from your own ideas whether they are correct or incorrect. An important part in improving communication skills is to ask questions in effective ways.

Open-ended questions often yield impressive responses due to the non-limitations of the answers. A closed-ended question does not leave room for analysis or critical thinking. Socrates' method of questions and answers improves one's ability to conduct a discussion. This includes using metaphors, examples, definitions, and summarizing. One needs all of these aspects in order to handle a successful dialogue.

An efficient way of discovering a clear answer is to point out all contradictory elements in the statement made. It is effective to think of examples to challenge a definition or viewpoint. If an individual can find a contradiction in the other's ideas, then that forces the person to re-think their ideas, which also helps lead to the final answer they both are seeking.

The Socratic Method had two key strengths that stand out. Firstly, asking basic questions lead to complex answers. Although the discussion begins with simple questions, the dialogue matures by the continuation of questions as they become more complicated. Also, it drastically improves one's ability to express and communicate.

There are also weaknesses and disadvantages in the Socratic Method.