Socratic method

American  

noun

1. the use of questions, as employed by Socrates, to develop a latent idea, as in the mind of a pupil, or to elicit admissions, as from an opponent, tending to establish a proposition.

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Socratic method British  

noun

1. philosophy the method of instruction by question and answer used by Socrates in order to elicit from his pupils truths he considered to be implicitly known by all rational beings Compare maieutic

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Etymology

Origin of Socratic method

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

If Rand really believed that the Socratic Method described by Plato of discovering accurate definitions and clear thinking did not qualify as “reason,” why then did she regularly attempt it with her Collective?

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2018

Karen Gover In honor of my 20th law school reunion, let’s try the Socratic Method.

From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2011

This is known as the "Socratic Method," or the dialectical method, and this form of inductive teaching was an important contribution to education.

From History of Education by Seeley, Levi