Socratic method

High school (ages 12+)
Thinking & Learning

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/socratic-method

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the philosophical tradition?Western philosophy, particularly ancient Greek ethics and epistemology
2. What is the core methodological principle?Elenchus (elenchos), a form of cooperative argument and cross-examination
3. Why do people use the Socratic method?It helps us see if our ideas are solid, find mistakes, and grow our thinking skills.
4. How does the Socratic method start a conversation?It begins when someone says something, like a claim or definition, and then the questioner asks for more details and reasons.

Epistemology: The branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge.
Aporia: A state of perplexity or uncertainty, often a starting point for philosophical inquiry.
Presupposition: An underlying belief or assumption that is taken for granted.