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> The idea behind the so-called Socratic method is that by offering arguments and counter-arguments, we can collectively converge on something like the truth.

> The idea behind the so-called Socratic method is that by offering arguments and counter-arguments, we can collectively converge on something like the truth. That is not what the Socratic method is... it is a teaching method. One person teaching another through leading answers to encourage their asking more questions that will teach them something though it will feel to the person like they arrived at the solution themselves (which they did, with help).

brigandish 4y ago
> through leading answers to encourage their asking more questions The answerer is the one usually presumed to have a flaw in their argument, hence them being asked questions that slowly illuminate all their reasoning until it is either shown to be sound, or more likely, a flaw to emerge quite obviously. It appears you're saying it's the other way round.
mypastself 4y ago
Agreed, but now I’m wondering what exactly the author had in mind instead. Dialectic?
- kelseyfrog 4y ago
  If I had to guess it would be dialectics. Though the texture dialectics has is substantially different from that of online discussion. Dialectic dialogue tends to have open-minded participants whereas on the internet, well, things tend to be the opposite.
Mordisquitos 4y ago
Indeed, that is not the Socratic Method. Even though it's just an introductory aside, seeing such an inaccuracy straight in the second sentence about something which (I thought) is common knowledge put me off from reading the rest of the article.
- rendall 4y ago
  It's a more accurate description of the Socratic Method than is asking leading questions until the student comes to the correct conclusion. In the Socratic Dialogues, Socrates repeats constantly that he does not know the answer, but that he and his interlocutor are together discovering the truth. That isn't trickery nor sophistry, so to speak. It's really the approach.

brigandish 4y ago

> through leading answers to encourage their asking more questions The answerer is the one usually presumed to have a flaw in their argument, hence them being asked questions that slowly illuminate all their reasoning until it is either shown to be sound, or more likely, a flaw to emerge quite obviously. It appears you're saying it's the other way round.

mypastself 4y ago

Agreed, but now I’m wondering what exactly the author had in mind instead. Dialectic?

kelseyfrog 4y ago
If I had to guess it would be dialectics. Though the texture dialectics has is substantially different from that of online discussion. Dialectic dialogue tends to have open-minded participants whereas on the internet, well, things tend to be the opposite.

Mordisquitos 4y ago

Indeed, that is not the Socratic Method. Even though it's just an introductory aside, seeing such an inaccuracy straight in the second sentence about something which (I thought) is common knowledge put me off from reading the rest of the article.

rendall 4y ago
It's a more accurate description of the Socratic Method than is asking leading questions until the student comes to the correct conclusion. In the Socratic Dialogues, Socrates repeats constantly that he does not know the answer, but that he and his interlocutor are together discovering the truth. That isn't trickery nor sophistry, so to speak. It's really the approach.