The Socratic Questions

I know that I know nothing ~ Socrates

Socrates ( 470/469 BC – 399 BC)  was a classical Athenian philosopher. He is one the founding fathers of western philosophy.

He used a series of questions that later came to be known as the Socratic Question to challenge his students to the accuracy and completeness of their thinking.

  

1. Questions for clarification:

• Why do you say that?

• How does this relate to our discussion?

• What do you mean by?

• What do we already know about...?

2. Questions that probe assumptions:

• What could we assume instead?

• How can you verify or disapprove that assumption?

• Could you explain why you arrived at that conclusion? (Explain how...)

• What would happen if...?

• Do you agree or disagree with this statement...?

3. Questions that probe reasons and evidence:

• What would be an example?

• What is....analogous to?

• What do you think causes to happen...? Why:?

• What evidence is there to support your answer?

4. Questions about Viewpoints and Perspectives:

• What would be an alternative?

• What is another way to look at it?

• Would you explain why it is necessary-or beneficial and who benefits?

• Why is the best?

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of...?

• How are...and ...similar?

• What is a counter argument for...?

• Compare... and... with regard to...

5. Questions that probe implications and consequences:

• What generalizations can you make?

• What are the consequences of that assumption?

• What are you implying?

• How does...affect...?

• How does...tie in with what we havelearned before?

• Why is... important?

6. Questions about the question:

• What was the point of this question?

• Why do you think I asked this question?

• What does...mean?

• How does...apply to everyday life?