The Socratic Method: A Study Guide

Short-Answer Quiz

* Why did Socrates use the method of questioning, according to the text?

* What are the key ethical attitudes that underpin the Socratic method?

* How does Socrates typically interact with his "partners" in dialogue, and what does this reveal about his approach?

* Explain what the text means by stating that "the struggle is the good life" in relation to the Socratic method.

* Describe the concept of the "internalized questioner" within Socrates, as illustrated in the text.

* Why does the text suggest that stating opinions releases pressure, and why is pressure important?

* Explain the concept of cumulative consistency and how it relates to the pursuit of truth.

* What is the significance of the claim that Socrates "doesn’t know anything" while also holding beliefs?

* What is "aporia" and what role does it play in the Socratic method?

* Briefly describe the relationship between happiness (eudaimonia) and knowledge within the Socratic philosophy.

Answer Key

* Socrates questioned not to teach how to question, but to teach how to think, focusing on the process of critical inquiry rather than providing definitive answers.

* The Socratic method is rooted in ethics of patience, inquiry, humility, and doubt, which contrast with the attitudes often encouraged by social media and political discourse.

* Socrates engages his partners by asking questions to which they believe they know the answers, leading them through a process of examining their claims and often revealing their lack of understanding.

* The Socratic method considers the process of seeking truth through persistent questioning more important than achieving any single resolution; the journey of inquiry is what constitutes a good life.

* The "internalized questioner" is like an alter ego within Socrates that mercilessly challenges his own claims, highlighting the importance of self-criticism in the pursuit of knowledge.

* The text states that stating opinions relieves the discomfort of pressure, while questions create pressure; Socrates thought that pressure is necessary for honest intellectual inquiry, therefore he favoured questioning.

* Cumulative consistency involves continually testing beliefs to ensure that they are all consistent with each other. A large mass of consistent beliefs makes it easier to detect and expel falsehoods.

* Socrates claims he doesn’t know anything, but he holds beliefs based on consistency, which means they have survived consistent testing; however, these can be viewed as provisional.

* Aporia is a state of intellectual impasse, where reason has been exhausted and there’s no clear path forward; it is frustrating, but also motivates the individual to pursue deeper understanding.

* Socratic philosophy posits that happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved through a right use of the things in life, which is gained through knowledge; thus, it posits wisdom is necessary for happiness.

Essay Questions

* Discuss the relevance of the Socratic method in the context of contemporary society, particularly concerning social media and political discourse.

* Analyze how the Socratic method values the process of questioning over the attainment of fixed answers and explore the implications of this emphasis.

* Compare and contrast the concept of the "internalized questioner" with other forms of self-criticism, considering its role in fostering intellectual growth.

* Assess the claim that ignorance is the source of evil within the Socratic framework, and how the Socratic method is intended to address this issue.

* Evaluate the importance of consistency and the pursuit of truth in the Socratic method, exploring its practical implications and limitations.

Glossary of Key Terms

Aporia: A state of intellectual impasse or perplexity; a point in a dialogue where reason seems exhausted and no further progress is immediately apparent.

Ataraxia: A state of tranquility and freedom from distress, often pursued by philosophical schools of thought.

Cumulative Consistency: The idea that beliefs are tested against each other for logical coherence, building a larger and more stable set of knowledge.

Double Ignorance: A state of not knowing while also thinking that one knows; a particular focus of Socratic criticism.

Eudaimonia: Often translated as happiness, well-being, or living well; the ultimate goal of Socratic philosophy, achieved through wisdom and virtue.

Elenchus: The Socratic method of cross-examination, involving questioning to reveal contradictions in a person’s beliefs.

Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence; a target of the Socratic method.

Internalized Questioner: An inner voice that challenges one's own beliefs and assumptions, representing the critical aspect of the Socratic method.

One-Witness Principle: The principle that truth is not determined by popularity, but by reasoned agreement, and even a single witness can be valid.

Socratic Method: A form of inquiry that involves asking questions to explore the assumptions, implications and contradictions inherent in a subject's statements, rather than lecturing or presenting answers.

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