socratic

Socratic refers to Socrates or anything related to his methods, ideas, or reputation. The term derives from the Greek philosopher Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE), a foundational figure in Western philosophy who did not leave writings of his own but is known through the accounts of his student Plato and Xenophon, among others.

In scholarly and educational contexts, Socratic denotes the Socratic Method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue in which participants ask and answer questions to stimulate critical thinking, reveal assumptions, and expose contradictions. The method is typically structured as a sequence of questions designed to lead a person to examine beliefs and articulate reasoning, a practice also called elenchus or maieutics (midwifery).

In philosophy and pedagogy, the Socratic Method is used to develop analytic skills, clarify definitions, and encourage reflective inquiry rather than supply didactic knowledge. Its use appears in Plato’s dialogues, where Socrates employs questioning to probe ethical, epistemological, and methodological issues. Criticisms include concerns about effectiveness, potential manipulation, and the risk of leading or biased questioning.

Historically, the portrayal of Socrates is mediated through his interlocutors; as a result, some claims about his views are debated. Nevertheless, the label Socratic remains a common descriptor for activities characterized by question-driven dialogue, critical examination, and the pursuit of rational justification.