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What does Socratic mean?

Socratic comes from the name Socrates (ca. 470-399 BC) who was a classical Greek philosopher; he developed a Theory of Knowledge.

What was Socrates' Theory of Knowledge?

Socrates was convinced that the surest way to attain reliable knowledge was through the practice of disciplined conversation; he called this method dialectic.

What does dialectic mean?

Dialectic (noun) means the art or practice of examining opinions or ideas logically, often by the method of questions and answer, so as to determine their validity.

How did Socrates use the dialectic?

He would begin with a discussion of the obvious aspects of any problem.  Socrates believed that through the process of dialogue, where all parties to the conversation were forced to clarify their ideas, the final outcome of the conversation would be a clear statement of what was meant.  The technique appears simple, but it is intensely rigorous.  Socrates would feign ignorance about a subject and try to draw out from the other person his fullest possible knowledge about it.  His assumption was that by progressively correcting incomplete or inaccurate notions, one could coax the truth out of anyone.  The basis for this assumption was an individual's capacity for recognizing lurking contradictions.  If the human mind was incapable of knowing something, Socrates wanted to demonstrate that, too.  Some dialogues, therefore, end inconclusively.

What is a Socratic Seminar?

A Socratic Seminar is a method to try to understand information by creating an in-class dialogue based on a specific text.  The participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through rigorously thoughtful dialogue, rather than by memorizing bits of information or meeting arbitrary demands for 'coverage.'

What are some of the benefits of using Socratic Seminars?

• Provides opportunities for critical readings of texts

• Teaches respect for diverse ideas, people, and practices.

• Enhances students' knowledge and research base.

• Develops strategies for increasing success for all students.

• Potential for creating a positive learning environment for all students.

• Creates a community of inquiry.

• Develops strategies for critical thinking skills, building self-esteem, and problem solving.

• Quality time to engage in in-depth discussions, problem solving and clarification of one's ideas, ethics and values.

• Builds a strong, collaborative work culture.

• Puts the student right smack in the center of the learning as an active and engaged participant!