Socratic Thinking

intermediate2 min readeducation · philosophy · psychology

Socratic thinking uses systematic questions to examine a claim’s foundations, implications and connections. It also asks which earlier questions must be answered before a complex question can be resolved.

THE IDEA

Questioning Systematically and Socratically

When we take command of our thinking, we do so through our questions. We move beyond questions that are undisciplined, fragmented and random. We turn from merely questioning to questioning systematically, comprehensively, and with breadth of vision. This mode of questioning is sometimes called “Socratic” questioning. The Socratic questioner deeply probes thinking. What the word “Socratic” adds to ordinary questioning, then, is systematicity, depth, and a keen interest in assessing the truth or plausibility of things.

One of the primary goals of developing thinkers is to establish a disciplined, “executive” component in their thinking, a powerful inner voice of reason, to monitor, assess, and repair — in a more rational direction — their thinking, feelings, and action. Socratic questioning helps develop that habit. Here are some of the fundamentals of Socratic questioning, followed by examples of questions you might ask in beginning to probe the thinking of another person.

Seek to understand — when possible — the ultimate foundations for what is said or believed, and follow the implications of those foundations through further questions. (You might ask, for example, “On what do you base your beliefs? Could you explain your reasoning to me in more detail so I can more fully understand your position?”)
Recognize that any thought can exist fully only in a network of connected thoughts. Therefore, treat all assertions as a connecting point to further thoughts. Pursue those connections. (You might ask, for example, “If what you say is true, wouldn’t x or y also be so?”)
Treat all thoughts as in need of development. (You might ask: “Could you elaborate on what you are saying so I can better understand you?”)
Recognize that all questions presuppose prior questions and all thinking presupposes prior thinking. When raising questions, be open to the questions they presuppose. (You might ask, for example, “To answer this complex question, what other questions do we need to answer?”)

Practice these questions while reading, writing and discussing a claim. Ask what supports it, what follows from it and which assumptions still need examination. Repeated use can make checking your reasoning a habit.

When to use it

When evaluating an argument in a debate or discussion, use Socratic questions to uncover underlying assumptions and implications.
When learning a new subject, systematically question the material by asking about foundations, connections, and prior questions.
When faced with a complex problem, break it down by identifying prerequisite questions that need answering first.
In teaching, encourage students to probe each other's reasoning with Socratic-style questions to develop critical thinking skills.

FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE

In practice

Probing Ultimate Foundations

When someone expresses a belief, you can ask: 'On what do you base your beliefs? Could you explain your reasoning to me in more detail so I can more fully understand your position?' This seeks to uncover the foundational reasons behind the claim.

Connecting Thoughts

If a person asserts something, you can explore implications by asking: 'If what you say is true, wouldn’t x or y also be so?' This treats the assertion as part of a network of connected ideas.

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A MOMENT TO REFLECT

Put it to work.

How can you incorporate systematic questioning into your daily thinking to avoid accepting ideas at face value?
Think of a recent belief you held strongly. What foundational assumptions underlie that belief, and how might they be questioned Socratically?
In what ways does Socratic questioning help you develop an 'inner voice of reason' that monitors your emotions and actions?