The Socratic method 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. It is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates and is introduced by him in Plato’s Theaetetus as midwifery of the mind. Socratic questioning is aimed at getting to the truth of things and examining moral concepts such as justice, virtue, and wisdom.
In the Socratic method, the questioner typically begins by asking open-ended questions that build on the respondent’s answers. The questioner aims to draw out the logical implications of the respondent’s position, often leading to contradictions or inconsistencies. The goal is for the respondent to arrive at a deeper understanding of the issues rather than “winning” the argument. The Socratic method emphasizes clarifying concepts rather than transmitting information. The questioner aims to expose uncertainty and confusion in the respondent’s thinking. The method can be applied in almost any intellectual exchange.
Some key features of the Socratic method include:
- Acknowledging one’s own ignorance: Socrates held that wisdom begins when we admit how little we know.
- Asking thought-provoking questions: Asking probing questions that challenge assumptions and reveal contradictions.
- Active listening and close following: Paying close attention to the respondent’s answers to build the next logical question.
- Avoiding arguing for one side: The questioner remains neutral, only drawing out the reasoning of the respondent.
- Cooperative spirit: The questioner works in a cooperative way with the respondent, there is no intimidation.
- Arriving at deeper understanding: The goal is greater insight into truth, not “winning” against an opponent.
The Socratic method has several advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Promotes deep learning: Forces learners to think through logical implications of ideas.
- Develops critical thinking: Challenges assumptions and encourages evaluation of concepts.
- Reveals contradictions: Exposes flaws, inconsistencies, and things overlooked.
- Active engagement: Learners take an active role in the exchange of ideas.
- Truth seeking: Focuses on cooperatively reaching true and justified conclusions.
Disadvantages:
- Time consuming: Can take time for learners to think through and articulate ideas.
- Risk of confusion: Discussions may become unproductive if not guided carefully.
- Requires critical thinking skills: Learners need ability to think logically and analytically.
- Not ideal for transmitting facts: Not an efficient way to convey large amounts of information.
- Frustration over lack of “right answers”: Learners may become frustrated by ambiguity.
Is the Socratic Method Biblical?
The Socratic method has significant overlap with the Bible’s approach to gaining wisdom, understanding truth, and correcting faulty thinking. While the Bible does not present a formalized questioning process like the Socratic method, many of its core principles align with biblical values and teaching methods.
Here are some ways the Socratic method relates to biblical approaches:
- Humility in seeking truth: The Bible highlights humility and teachability as prerequisites to gaining wisdom (Prov. 11:2, James 1:19-21). Socrates stressed humility in admissions of ignorance as starting points for learning.
- Asking thought-provoking questions: Jesus often responded to questions with deeper questions to challenge assumptions and thinking (Matt. 22:41-46, Luke 10:25-37). The Bible portrays asking questions as an effective teaching method (Deut. 6:20-25).
- Focus on the heart: The Socratic method focuses on underlying beliefs and presuppositions, just as the Bible emphasizes changing the heart’s desires rather than mere outward behavior (1 Sam. 16:7, Mark 7:14-23).
- Exposing contradictions and hypocrisy: Like Socrates, Jesus highlighted logical inconsistencies between people’s words and actions (Matt. 21:28-32, 23:1-36). The Bible warns against hypocrisy and double-mindedness (James 1:6-8).
- Cooperative discussion: The Bible presents dialogue and discussion as constructive ways of seeking truth together (Prov. 27:17, Acts 17:2-3). This aligns with Socrates’ cooperative approach.
- Developing wisdom and understanding: The Bible presents wisdom as grounded in right fear of God (Prov. 1:7, 9:10). Socrates saw wisdom and virtue as grounded in understanding truth through examination and reason.
However, there are also some key differences between the Socratic method and the biblical worldview:
- The Bible sees God as the source of truth and wisdom, while Socrates relied on human reason alone.
- The Socratic method places knowledge as the path to virtue, while the Bible teaches human depravity requires God’s grace.
- Socrates saw ethical concepts like virtue arising from reason alone. The Bible roots ethics in God’s character as revealed in Scripture.
- Scripture teaches God’s Word as the supreme authority, while Socratic questioning relies solely on individual thinking.
- The Bible has truth that must be believed by faith (Heb. 11:6). The Socratic method seeks only to reason one’s way to knowledge.
In summary, the Socratic method of questioning aligns with some biblical principles for gaining wisdom and uncovering misconceptions. Jesus himself used question-based discussions to expose hypocrisy and flawed thinking. However, the Bible differs foundationally in seeing God’s revelation as the source of truth rather than human reason alone. Scripture cautions against reliance on worldly wisdom apart from God (1 Cor. 1:18-2:16). While the Socratic method can be useful, believers should ensure it flows from and points toward dependence on God’s wisdom.
Some key Bible passages relevant to the Socratic method and its themes include:
- Jesus’ use of questions: Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:13-40, Luke 10:25-37
- Wisdom through humility: Proverbs 11:2, James 1:19-21
- Exposing hypocrisy through questioning: Matthew 23:1-36
- The heart as the source of wisdom: 1 Samuel 16:7, Mark 7:14-23
- Discussion and debate over ideas: Acts 17:2-3, Acts 15:1-21
- Developing wisdom and understanding: Proverbs 1:1-7, Proverbs 9:10
- Dangers of worldly wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16
In conclusion, while the Socratic method of questioning aligns with some biblical principles, Scripture differs foundationally by seeing God’s revelation as the supreme source of truth and wisdom. The method can be useful if submitted to and flowing out of God’s Word rather than reliance on human reason alone.
