All I kn
ow is
that I k
now
NOTHIN
G !
SocrateS Question everything!
Lived in Athens
470–399 BCE (5th century)
Known through Plato
Describes himself not as a teacher but
as an ignorant inquirer,
The Dialectical Method The Maieutic Method
Dialectic = art of conversation or Maieutic = midwifery
argumentation
Asking questions that reveal Helping others "give birth" to
contradictions in the interlocutor’s their own ideas through
thinking for him to realize that his questioning rather than teaching
understanding is incomplete of anything directly
flawed.
It’s a method of self-discovery
It’s about logical examination and
through dialogue.
refutation.
PurposeS of Socratic dialogues
Question and challenge beliefs
Reach a clearer understanding of truth
Show knowledge evolves through ongoing questioning
ow is
that I k
now
NOTHIN
G !
SocrateS Question everything!
Lived in Athens
470–399 BCE (5th century)
Known through Plato
Describes himself not as a teacher but
as an ignorant inquirer,
The Dialectical Method The Maieutic Method
Dialectic = art of conversation or Maieutic = midwifery
argumentation
Asking questions that reveal Helping others "give birth" to
contradictions in the interlocutor’s their own ideas through
thinking for him to realize that his questioning rather than teaching
understanding is incomplete of anything directly
flawed.
It’s a method of self-discovery
It’s about logical examination and
through dialogue.
refutation.
PurposeS of Socratic dialogues
Question and challenge beliefs
Reach a clearer understanding of truth
Show knowledge evolves through ongoing questioning
