The Socratic Method

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses, as an example of the Socratic Method, section 336b of Plato's "Republic" in which Thrasymachus argues the nature of justice. The author points out that, in this section, Socrates aims at finding the truth regarding Thrasymachus' hostile outburst by using the most powerful way of conducting a question-answer sequence of teaching, which stimulates learning from other people in addition to the teacher. The paper relates that, by asking learners questions, teachers give them the opportunity to find the truth of the matter for themselves and to learn critical thinking, which is an essential skill in the professional world.

From the Paper:

"Socrates, however, does not counter Thrasymachus' outburst with an outburst of his own. Instead, by agreeing with everything that Thrasymachus says, he remains wise and calm in the face of the other's anger. It is clear however that he has been affected by Thrasymachus' tone and style, as there still is a "hitch", but only a slight one, in his voice when he asks his opponent to forgive any shortcomings in himself and Polymarchus when conducting their debate. He argues that they have been arguing in a manner that would most likely bring them to the truth regarding the nature of justice."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Garlikov, Rick. The Socratic Method: Teaching by asking instead of by telling. 2006. http://www.garlikov.com/Soc_Meth.html
• Plato. The Republic. Section 336b. Available online at: http://perseus.uchicago.edu/hopper/text.jsp?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0168:book=1:section=336b
• The Critical Thinking Community. Socratic Thinking. 2006. http://lonestar.texas.net/~mseifert/crit3.html

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