Sokraattinen

Sokraattinen is a Finnish word that refers to something related to Socrates, the classical Greek philosopher. It is primarily used as an adjective to describe methods, ideas, or characteristics associated with him.

The most common association with the term "sokraattinen" is the Socratic method, also known as Socratic questioning or elenchus. This is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions. The Socratic method is characterized by its focus on probing definitions, identifying contradictions, and leading the interlocutor to a clearer understanding or a state of aporia, a state of puzzlement.

In educational contexts, the Sokratinen method is employed to encourage students to think for themselves rather than simply memorizing information. It involves posing open-ended questions and guiding discussions in a way that helps students discover answers and principles through their own reasoning. This approach emphasizes inquiry, intellectual humility, and the pursuit of truth.

Beyond the method of questioning, the term "sokraattinen" can also allude to the philosophical stance and ethical principles attributed to Socrates. These include the emphasis on self-examination, the belief that virtue is knowledge, and the notion that an unexamined life is not worth living. The term therefore encapsulates a broader intellectual and moral disposition connected to the legacy of Socrates.