Socratic method

A pedagogical technique in which a teacher does not give information directly but instead asks a series of questions, with the result that the student comes either to the desired knowledge by answering the questions or to a deeper awareness of the limits of knowledge.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Socratic method

(Philosophy) philosophy the method of instruction by question and answer used by Socrates in order to elicit from his pupils truths he considered to be implicitly known by all rational beings. Compare maieutic

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

Socrat′ic meth′od

the use of questions, as employed by Socrates, to develop a latent idea in the mind of a student or elicit an admission from an opponent.

[1735–45]

Socratic method

- A teaching technique in which a teacher does not give information directly but instead asks a series of questions, with the result that the student comes either to the desired knowledge by answering the questions or to a deeper awareness of the limits of knowledge.

See also related terms for teacher.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

Socratic method - a method of teaching by question and answer; used by Socrates to elicit truths from his students

maieutic method

pedagogics, pedagogy, teaching method - the principles and methods of instruction

Mentioned in

References in classic literature

It is Adeimantus again who volunteers the criticism of common sense on the Socratic method of argument, and who refuses to let Socrates pass lightly over the question of women and children.

2, 51 foll.) The Socratic method is nominally retained; and every inference is either put into the mouth of the respondent or represented as the common discovery of him and Socrates.

View in context

This is the Socratic method and is used in the CBC.

CBC crafted on sound educational ideas

'I use the Socratic method in my classroom to challenge students to think out of the box, and use a range of practical and current events as the basis for discussion and learning,' he said, noting that public affairs and public policy is 'a disciplinary area that calls into question such other disciplines as political science, economics and law, just to name a few'.

CMCFeature-UNITED STATES-EDUCATION-Barbadian academic making a huge difference

Today, this is known as the Socratic method, used by many professors in law schools.

Evolution of tyranny and democracy

That is why I got used to what is called the Socratic method which is to ask a lot of questions in the process of leading the students to arrive at conclusions on their own.

Mentoring children and the youth

We were introduced to the Socratic method, wherein we were encouraged to ask questions and answer with more questions, rather than simply memorize concepts.

My paid science education

One question asked was my opinion of the 'Socratic method' of teaching, creating critical thinking by a 'cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions.' Unfortunately, I assumed my incredible good looks and winning attitude would overcome my lack of knowledge about Socrates.

'Fooled you'

For example, the Socratic Method (based on the instructive approach used by the Greek philosopher Socrates) is a form of debate between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate thinking.

How Critical Is Critical Thinking?

Teachers often strive to master the Socratic method of asking questions, but it isn't for academics and philosophers alone.

THE POWER OF QUESTIONS

Commenting on his experience thus far, Sargent remarked, "I am very impressed by the students because of their intelligence, training, and curiosity, in class we have mostly been using a `reverse Socratic method'.

NYU Abu Dhabi Welcomes Nobel Laureate Thomas J. Sargent

Use the Socratic Method when conversing with your child.

Play with your kids to prepare them for an AI-powered future