Socratic Method

The Socratic method is a system of learning where teachers ask students a series of questions that encourage critical analysis of the subject being taught. It is named for Greek philosopher Socrates, who developed and refined this teaching method.¹

Fast Facts

1. Developed by Socrates in the 4th century B.C.¹
2. Often used in inquiry-based learning²
3. Most commonly employed in U.S. law schools¹
4. Can be adapted for a variety of subjects and grade levels³

Quotes

"You seem to me not to be aware that whoever comes nearest to Socrates and enters into conversation with him is liable to be drawn round and round by him in the course of the argument- no matter on what subject it began-not stopping until one is led into giving an account of oneself, of how one spends one's days, and of the kind of life one has lived in the past; and once one has been entangled in that, Socrates will not let one go until he has thoroughly and properly put all one's ways to the test" — Nicias explaining the Socratic method to Lysimachus, from Plato's Laches⁴

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