Socratic method

noun

1. the use of questions, as employed by Socrates, to develop a latent idea, as in the mind of a pupil, or to elicit admissions, as from an opponent, tending to establish a proposition.

Socratic method

noun

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Socratic method¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

“I force them through gentle persuasion, through the Socratic method, to make them question for themselves why they believe what they think that they believe,” he said.

From New York Times

So developers at Khan Academy engineered Khanmigo to use the Socratic method.

From New York Times

I think Socrates would be kind of cool because it's all questions, the Socratic method.

From Salon

As Hart had discovered on the first day of class, after which he threw up, that meant rigorous, spontaneous questioning — the Socratic method.

From Washington Post

Hershovitz seems to be a big fan of the Socratic method, though he only mentions Socrates a couple of times.

From New York Times