The Socratic Method (Elenchus) Explained: How Asking the Right Questions Changes Everything

The Socratic Method (Elenchus) is a form of conversation-based learning which uses probing questions to examine an idea. It was developed by the Greek philosopher Socrates with examples recorded in Plato’s dialogues. 

So why should you care about some teaching technique, developed over 2000 years ago?

Well, for one, the technique is still used, not just for academic teaching but also for legal practice, psychotherapy and coaching. It is also often associated with debating, and it does help with public speaking, but the Socratic approach is actually about collaboration and finding truth, not just winning an argument. 

But what about for everyone else? Why should they bother to use it?

That’s because its application is much broader, as it is useful in any situation where people want to apply critical thinking and logically explore new ideas. That is why there is increasing interest, beyond traditional spheres, in rediscovering this age-old approach.

As you might have guessed, I have drawn on the Socratic Method to write this little introduction, using the form of an internal or imaginary dialogue. As such, you can start to see the conversational nature of the approach. But now let’s break it down a bit more.

The Socratic Method Step by Step

The nature of the question process is iterative and can be summarised in these five steps:

1. Receive – the questioner listens to the speaker’s idea
2. Reflect – the questioner repeats back the statement to clarify understanding
3. Refine – the questioner uses questions to explore the logic of the hypothesis
4. Re-state – the speaker re-states their adapted proposal
5. Restart – the process begins again to test the new theory

This system is explored more fully in my post:

How to Use the Socratic Questioning Technique

But today I wanted to explore how the elenchus is used, by way of an example. And where better to start than with Socrates himself? So, let’s look at one of Plato’s most famous dialogues: Euthyphro. 

Euthyphro: Plato’s dialogue that demonstrates the Socratic Method

In this dialogue, we have Socrates in conversation with Euthyphro as they attempt to establish a definitive meaning for piety. So here we are talking about virtue, of living a good or just life.   

It is a prime example of how the Socratic Method (Elenchus) works and how Socrates uses it to teach. Socrates keeps asking incisive questions and forces Euthyphro to test and clarify his thinking.

In this case, Euthyphro has come to present charges of manslaughter against his own father. Yes, Euthyphro has daddy issues, but that is not the crux of this interaction, and to be fair, Euthyphro does have some justification. This is because his father had allowed one of their workers to die of exposure, whilst bound and left to the mercy of the elements.   

He meets Socrates in the Porch of King Archon, equivalent to the steps of the courthouse. It turns out that Socrates is there because he is being prosecuted for his alleged heretical ideas, which are subverting the youth. Given the youthful Euthyphro and the upcoming talk of piety, this situation gives a lovely ironic feeling to the whole scene! 

Understanding the Socratic Method Through A Famous Philosophical Dialogue

Once they have both established the reason for being at the court, Socrates says that he is astonished by Euthyphro’s confidence in being able to prosecute his own father for the serious charge of manslaughter:

Socrates. Good heavens, Euthyphro! and is your knowledge of religion and of things pious and impious so very exact that, supposing the circumstances to be as you state them, you are not afraid lest you too may be doing an impious thing in bringing an action against your father?

Euthyphro. The best of Euthyphro, and that which distinguishes him, Socrates, from other men, is his exact knowledge of all such matters. What should I be good for without it?

The conceit and overconfidence of Euthyphro are like a red rag to Socrates. He sees his opening and retorts:

Socrates. Rare friend! I think that I cannot do better than be your disciple. Then, before the trial (with Meletus) comes on, I shall challenge him, and say that I have always had a great interest in religious questions, and now, as he charges me with rash imaginations and innovations in religion, I have become your disciple. 

Euthyphro thinks he is being praised rather than gently mocked by Socrates at this point, so he is emboldened, and we enter into the dialogue proper. Now we see the five stages of Socrates’ methodology as the conversation develops.

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The five steps of the Socratic Method from a real example

1. Receive

So here we enter the first stage of the Socratic Method. When we start a Socratic conversation, we want to receive what the other person has to say on a given subject. Ideally, we want them to put forward their ideas in some sort of statement, hypothesis, or theory. To do this, sometimes we need to get things going with an open question. This is what Socrates does here:

Socrates. And what is piety, and what is impiety?

After a bit of waffle from Euthyphro, Socrates manages to elicit a definition of piety:

Euthyphro. Piety, then, is that which is dear to the gods, and impiety is that which is not dear to them. 

2. Reflect

Now we get to the second stage of the Socratic Method. Socrates reflects back the ideas and re-states the definition. This is a classic technique, still used a lot, particularly in counselling, psychoanalysis and leadership coaching.

In this case, Socrates says:

Socrates. Come, then, and let us examine what we are saying. That thing or person which is dear to the gods is pious, and that thing or person which is hateful to the gods is impious, these two being the extreme opposites of one another. Was not that said?

3. Refine.

Euthyphro agrees that Socrates has reliably reflected the premise, and so now we enter the refining stage where questions are used to define terms, challenge assumptions and deepen understanding. In this stage, examples and thought experiments can also be used to check understanding and logic. 

In this discussion, Socrates asks a series of questions that illustrate that gods and men have different opinions about what is good or bad. Therefore, an action could be both pious or impious, depending upon the viewpoint. This undermines the logic of the initial statement. 

So, Euthyphro responds,

Euthyphro. But I believe, Socrates, that all the gods would be agreed as to the propriety of punishing a murderer: there would be no difference of opinion about that.

4. Re-State

Having moved forward a little in his thinking, with some more questioning, Euthyphro tweaks his definition. Therefore, we are now in the re-stating phase of the Socratic Method. Euthyphro says:

Euthyphro. Yes, I should say that what all the gods love is pious and holy, and the opposite, which they all hate, is impious.

In this updated assertion, you can see that Euthyphro narrows the pious or impious actions down to ones that all the gods agree upon. 

At this point, Euthyphro probably thinks he has got it sorted; he has the definitive answer and, despite a slight mental wobble, his confidence is restored.

But he is not off the hook just yet…

5. Re-Start

Now that there is a new definition, Socrates effectively starts the cycle again, checking the new statement and then using questions to challenge and refine the new terms they are using. 

In this particular instance, in the refining stage, Socrates goes to town on the concept of love, as regards holiness and piety, and again highlights the logical flaws in Euthyphro’s definitions. 

Now Euthyphro is really getting confused, and I have some sympathy for him here! Socrates uses a stream of probing questions, delving ever deeper into concepts, so that the conversation becomes quite convoluted.

And so, we get to the point where our young friend says:

Euthyphro. I do not understand you, Socrates.

It appears that Socrates has slightly less sympathy for the young man, as his response is again a mocking one:

Socrates. And yet I know that you are as much wiser than I am, as you are younger. But, as I was saying, revered friend, the abundance of your wisdom makes you lazy. Please do exert yourself, for there is no real difficulty in understanding me. 

Now there is further discussion on how piety relates to giving attention or ministering to the god. This leads to a further adaptation of the original definition, some further investigation, which leads back to the initial definition. Euthyphro can’t believe he is back where he started. Like Thor in the movie Ragnarok, he keeps going round in a freaky circle, ending up where he started.

The Socratic Method as a dialectic or iterative process

And thus, we start the process once again. Socrates receives and then re-states the idea, then refines it by showing the inherent logical fallacies. For example, Socrates says:

Socrates. And are you not saying that what is loved of the gods is holy; and is not this the same as what is dear to them-do you see?

Euthyphro. True.

Socrates. Then either we were wrong in former assertion; or, if we were right then, we are wrong now.

Let’s pause for a moment. Firstly, notice how Socrates uses aporia. In other words, he appears perplexed by this logical contradiction. This is both a rhetorical device and a philosophical tool.

Secondly, note how Socrates still uses the term ‘we’. Despite his gentle mocking, he is keeping this a joint endeavour and learning opportunity, as opposed to an adversarial argument or debate. 

He could have chosen to say “you are wrong” or even “what you are saying is stupid”, both of which would have been justified. But Socrates, in his wisdom, knows that the conversation would have ended much sooner. Here, for now, Euthyphro is still engaged. He replies:

Euthyphro. One of the two must be true.

Socrates: Then we must begin again and ask, What is piety? Speak out then, my dear Euthyphro, and do not hide your knowledge.

But no dialogue lasts forever (even with Socrates)

At this point, having been subject to the elenchus process several times over, Euthyphro finally realises that he is unable to logically prove what piety is, and it probably dawns on him that he is not quite as clever as he initially thought. His high opinion of himself having been dented, he engages the classic get-out clause for any argument a person is losing: he makes an excuse and does a runner! He says:

Euthyphro. Another time, Socrates; for I am in a hurry, and must go now.

As Euthyphro exits stage left, probably a little red in the face. Again, I am sure we can empathise with Euthyphro a bit here. I mean, who hasn’t used that line to finish a difficult conversation?

But here, Socrates has the final word. Well, words actually:

Socrates. Alas! my companion, and will you leave me in despair? I was hoping that you would instruct me in the nature of piety and impiety; and then I might have cleared myself of Meletus and his indictment.

I am sure Socrates managed to say this straight-faced without any indication of sarcasm. However, I bet Plato, who was recording this, was struggling to hide his amusement!

The dangers of using sarcasm in arguments

Which brings us to an important point. In my experience, one must be very careful with the use of humour, particularly irony and sarcasm, when having a discussion. If someone feels mocked, it is very likely that the discussion will become overly emotional, rather than rational, and the ultimate aim of the process, which is to search for the truth, will be lost (as in this case, when one party walks away).

It is no surprise that Socrates called himself a “Gadfly”. He was knowingly like a little biting insect that stung people, in the hope of jolting people out of complacent thinking. But as mentioned, this does come at a risk. Socrates was eventually condemned to death. The Athenian state convicted him of impiety and corrupting the youth. This is perhaps the final ironic twist in this whole dialogue. 

The Socratic Method: teaching you how to think, not what to think

There we have it, the elenchus, with Socrates himself teaching us his method through one of his own dialogues. 

I love this thinking tool. I don’t just employ it as a leadership coach; I use it in conversation all the time. Although generally with less mocking (and less skill) than Socrates!

By employing probing questions, we naturally become more inquisitive and curious about the world and other people. This is a vital skill for anyone who wants to lead themselves or others better.

What’s more, this approach is of benefit to both ourselves and others, as it promotes collaboration and learning, whilst ensuring the discipline of stress-testing new thoughts and ideas. 

So, in your next conversation, think about a good question you can ask that will help promote deeper understanding. And if you want more help with the method, be sure to check out:

How to Use the Socratic Questioning Technique

And if you have any further questions, do drop me a line via the Contact Page. 

Using the Socratic Method for Coaching: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leadership

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and instant answers, the Socratic Method offers a timeless path to deeper thinking and authentic leadership. Rooted in the philosophy of Socrates, this ancient technique emphasises the power of questions over answers — a perfect fit for modern coaching and personal development.

As a leadership coach, business leader (and curious soul), I have adopted the Socratic Method as a habit in my life and work. As an approach, it is a great compliment to other coaching tools, such as the GROW model, and with various leadership styles. So, whether you’re a professional coach, an executive, or a team leader, applying the Socratic approach can unlock critical thinking, boost self-awareness, and transform how you guide yourself and others.

What Is the Socratic Method?

The Socratic Method is a structured dialogue technique based on asking thought-provoking questions to challenge assumptions, clarify ideas, and reveal insights. Instead of providing direct advice, the Socratic coach helps individuals uncover their own answers.

Socrates believed that knowledge resides within each person — the coach’s role is to awaken it. His famous declaration, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” captures the essence of this approach: self-reflection leads to wisdom.

The Socratic Method in Modern Coaching

In today’s coaching world, success isn’t about giving advice (unlike a mentor) but helping clients find clarity within themselves. The Socratic Method aligns perfectly with this philosophy.

Through guided questioning, a Socratic coach helps clients:

• Clarify goals and personal values
• Examine their thought patterns
• Challenge limiting beliefs
• Strengthen decision-making skills
• Build self-awareness and accountability

Instead of asking, “Why did you fail to meet your goal?” a Socratic coach might ask, “What assumptions guided your plan?” or “What might you do differently next time?” These open questions create insight and ownership — the foundation of lasting transformation.

The Link Between Socrates and Leadership

Great leadership today, in most cases, requires more empathy, reflection, and collaboration — and less command and control. The Socratic approach to leadership replaces directives with dialogue, empowering teams to think critically and act autonomously.

A traditional manager says, “Here’s what to do.”

A Socratic leader asks, “What do you think would work best, and why?”

By encouraging inquiry, Socratic leaders foster innovation, trust, and engagement. This questioning style transforms leadership into a shared process of learning — exactly what organisations need in a fast-changing world.

Core Principles of Socratic Coaching and Leadership

1. Curiosity Over Judgment

Socrates approached every discussion as a learner, not a judge. In coaching, this means maintaining curiosity about your client’s experiences and beliefs rather than labelling them as right or wrong.

2. Questions Over Answers

Great coaches don’t offer solutions — they guide discovery. Ask open-ended questions such as:

• “What does success mean to you?”
• “What assumptions might you be making?”
• “What alternative perspectives could also be true?”

These questions spark new thinking and self-realisation.

3. Self-Knowledge as the Root of Leadership

Socrates urged, “Know thyself.” True leadership begins with understanding one’s own motivations, strengths, and blind spots. Socratic coaching helps individuals cultivate that awareness, leading to grounded, authentic leadership.

4. Dialogue Over Monologue

The Socratic Method depends on genuine conversation. Coaches and leaders who embrace dialogue build stronger relationships, mutual respect, and shared accountability.

5. The Power of Reflection and Silence

Socrates valued silence as a tool for thought. In coaching, silence allows clients to process insights and reach their own conclusions. It’s in the quiet moments that breakthroughs often occur.

How to Apply the Socratic Method in Coaching

Step 1: Create a Safe Space

Trust is the foundation of effective coaching. Encourage openness by ensuring clients feel heard and respected. The Socratic Method works only when people feel psychologically safe. A great way to create such a space is to follow Nancy Kline‘s ten principles of a Thinking Environment.

Step 2: Define the Core Question

Socrates often began with one central question — such as, “What is justice?” In coaching, that might be “What does success look like for you?” or “What belief might be holding you back?”

Step 3: Explore Through Thoughtful Inquiry

Guide your client through questions that reveal assumptions and alternative views:

• “How did you come to that conclusion?”
• “What might happen if you tried another approach?”
• “What evidence supports your current belief?”

This helps clients think critically about their reasoning.

Step 4: Encourage Deep Reflection

Allow time for silence. Reflection enables clients to connect insights to real-world behavior, strengthening long-term learning.

Step 5: Turn Insight Into Action

Socratic coaching isn’t just about philosophy — it’s about results. Summarise key learnings and translate them into action steps by asking, “What will you do differently based on what you’ve discovered?”

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The Socratic Method and Leadership Development

Applying the Socratic Method in leadership development helps organisations foster self-reliant, strategic thinkers.

In Practice, Socratic Leadership Looks Like:

• Decision-Making: Asking diverse viewpoints before finalising actions.
• Performance Reviews: Using reflective questions instead of evaluative criticism.
• Team Learning: Encouraging inquiry and curiosity to drive innovation.
• Change Management: Guiding teams through self-reflection during transitions.

Socratic leadership builds cultures of curiosity and accountability — where people learn not because they’re told to, but because they want to.

Why the Socratic Method Matters in the Modern Era

In an age of artificial intelligence, automation, and information overload, human insight is the competitive advantage. The Socratic Method cultivates this insight through reflection, reasoning, and emotional intelligence.

By applying Socratic principles in coaching and leadership, professionals can:

• Strengthen critical thinking
• Build ethical decision-making
• Foster self-awareness and empathy
• Create sustainable behavioural change

As Socrates taught, wisdom begins with knowing we don’t have all the answers — but asking the right questions brings us closer to truth.

Conclusion: Be a Modern Socrates in Coaching and Leadership

To use the Socratic Method for coaching is to lead with humility, curiosity, and purpose. It’s not about providing answers but facilitating discovery. Socratic coaches and leaders empower others to think deeply, act consciously, and grow authentically.

In a time when quick answers abound, the Socratic approach reminds us that true leadership is not about being right — it’s about helping others think for themselves.

If you would like to know more about the Socratic Method, do read this article:

How to Use Socratic Questioning Technique

What is the Socratic method, and how do you use it in conversations, debates and critical thinking. Here is a short YouTube Video:

The Socratic Method: A Video Introduction

The Socratic Method is a process of dialogue, based on questioning, that inspires critical thinking and analysis. Primarily the method was designed for moral and philosophical enquiry, but the technique can be used in almost any discussion and is often used in coaching.

When used well, it helps to structure constructive and even challenging conversations without descending into argument or pure rhetoric.

This video explains the 5 steps to follow to have a Socratic dialogue. If you want to find out more then read How to Progress from Debate to Dialogue Using the Socratic Method.

People, and particularly philosophers, have always been interested in knowing the best questions to ask. Socrates, Aristotle and Hermagoras of Temnos all played a part in the development of the 5Ws questioning technique. Understanding their approach can help us ask better questions, too.

Get him to the Greek (a philosophical decision)

I majored in Civil Engineering at Edinburgh University for my four years there. But when I arrived, due to my A-Level grades, I was offered direct entry into the second year. These grades were much more of a reflection upon my excellent teachers than upon me (especially when it came to my Maths grade which was frankly miraculous). But I saw an opportunity presented by this offer and therefore immediately leapt at it.

I went into the office of my Director of Studies and duly proposed that instead of starting either year one or two of engineering, I should study Ancient History and Archaeology instead. After all, if I did not need to do the first year of engineering, surely I was free to study other things? It was not a question that he was expecting. My request was so unusual that he did not really know what to say. The moment of confusion created by my question was just enough for me to persuade him that this subject swap was not just possible, but was actually a really good idea to broaden my education.

I have always loved history and at that time I was getting increasingly interested in philosophy too. Therefore, I was excited about getting the chance to delve into the thinking arising from the ancient world, and Greece in particular. After all, the system of thought born in Greece was foundational to the development of culture in Europe and the West.

Socrates: The Grandaddy of philosophy

When studying European ancient history there are some larger than life characters that you cannot get around. Visionaries such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar reshaped the physical and political landscape. Others, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle redefined the conceptual and intellectual environment.

Socrates was immortalised in the idealistic writings of Plato (The Dialogues) and has become the hero and father of Western Philosophy.  His thinking contributed to the fields of ethics, logic, and pedagogy (teaching), to name but a few. I quickly fell in love with Socrates’ simple yet profound approach to life, and particularly his predilection for questions.

“I know you won’t believe me, but the highest form of Human Excellence is to question oneself and others.” – Socrates

The Socratic Method

But perhaps Socrates was most famous for being inquisitive.  He developed the elenchus, the Socratic method, a technique that focuses on stimulating critical thinking. Central to the methodology is the idea of refining ideas to get closer to the absolute truth. This involves working towards stating an idea (thesis) clearly, challenging assumptions, and clarifying terminology.

The method is now primarily linked with rhetoric and for use in debates between individuals holding opposing viewpoints.  But it was not just about setting out an argument; learning to ask questions was key to its effectiveness.

The Socratic method is often used as a ‘negative’ question technique. In other words, it seeks to undermine or disprove an opposing hypothesis.  When the person being questioned has to admit their thinking is flawed, it exposes their wrong assumption and can often embarrass them.  Big-shot lawyers in Hollywood courtroom dramas demonstrate the extreme of this when played out dramatically (think A Few Good Men or 12 Angry Men).

Socrates happily asked questions of just about anything and anybody. Socrates’ subtle yet ironic questions often revealed other people’s ignorance.  This was helpful in unpicking wrong assumptions but he became known as the ‘Gadfly’ for his persistent interrogation.  Unfortunately, his questions eventually goaded so many prominent Athenians that he was sentenced to death.

Thus, he proved that asking effective questions does not necessarily make you popular. You have to be careful not to make people feel or appear stupid. Remember also, people hold dearly to certain assumptions or beliefs. Therefore, it is important to apply emotional intelligence when using this methodology.

My post on Socratic Questioning Technique explains how to practically use this approach.

Aristotle, Hermagoras, and the refinement of the question technique

The Socratic method is a powerful technique but there are situations where one does not start with a hypothesis. Later philosophers can help us here.  Others looked into more open methods of asking questions that went beyond just debate and into general inquiry.

Aristotle is attributed with being the first person to define the Septem Circumstantiae or “Seven Circumstances” in Book 3 of his Nicomachean Ethics (Sloan, 2010). These are the core seven questions that are necessary to understand and explain a situation.

Hermagoras of Temnos (with attribution from Augustine) clarified these seven circumstances for use in rhetoric and storytelling.  He listed them as: quis, quid, quando, ubi, cur, quem ad modum, quibus adminiculis.  These translate as who, what, when, where, why, in what way, by what means (Ballif and Moran 2005).

Cicero is also attributed to using a similar system.  This is the basis of what we know today as ‘the 5Ws’ of what, where, when, who, why (and how).

Rudyard Kipling immortalised the concept when he wrote,

“I keep six honest serving-men, (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When, And How and Where and Who.”

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The Five Ws

Journalists in the twentieth century adopted the Five Ws as an interrogative style. It is an approach that is useful for getting the facts of a story.  Police officers, researchers, crisis and incident managers, and others have used the same technique. In this context, the 5Ws became more specifically:

• Who is it about (who is involved)?
• What happened (what’s the story)?
• When did it take place?
• Where did it take place?
• How did it happen?
• Why did it happen?

The idea behind this interrogative technique is to ask open questions. Therefore, as far as possible, one can build up an unbiased or uninfluenced statement of the facts. The principle of using open questions, like those captured in the 5Ws, is that you cannot answer any of them with just a yes or a no. The open question invites elaboration and the divulgence of more facts.

When you are trying to look at something holistically and understand a situation it is important to get information (not just the answers you want). This is part of the Observe and Orientate phases of decision making as outlined in the OODA loop. At this stage, it is really helpful to ask open questions. Therefore, a framework such as the 5Ws can help to give a framework to our thinking, improve our planning, problem-solving and decision making.

Beyond the 5Ws question technique

The 5Ws approach is specifically tailored towards information gathering about a past event. It is good at getting a snapshot of the now.

When tackling strategic issues, we are not just trying to get a story; we are also looking to the future so we can establish a plan and develop options. The Right Questions approach takes the 5Ws a step further.  By adding the ‘Which?’ question on top of the 5Ws, it is also possible to consider the concept of ‘selection’.  This helps us to look at options and risks.

So we find that we go almost full circle and end up with seven basic questions that reflect those asked by Hermagoras over 2000 years ago; a list comprised of the seven most used interrogatives of the English language: what, where, when, who, why, how, and which. It just goes to show that, as Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun!”

We will look at these seven interrogatives in more depth in the next post, The Seven Most Important Questions in the English Language.

A Simple 5-Step Process to Apply The Socratic Method

The Socratic Method, as outlined in Plato’s Theaetetus, is a process of questioning that inspires critical thinking and analysis. Primarily the method was designed for moral and philosophical enquiry but the technique has been used in many other fields. The strength of the Socratic approach lies in its ability to challenge assumptions and negative thought patterns.

Being able to hold good conversations is a critical communication skill and important for developing meaningful relationships. Being able to effectively ask questions is also a foundational leadership skill.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

Socrates

Directive or non-directive questioning?

The challenge with using the Socratic method is that the questioner needs to be very self-aware. The direction of the dialogue can be swayed by the questioner and they can sway the direction and emphasis of the dialogue. The person initiating the question naturally takes on a leading role. The Socratic method allows the questioner to subtly challenge certain ideas, evoke particular thoughts or get the subject to establish a particular logical viewpoint. This can be done in either a directive or non-directive way.

If the questioner assumes that they already know the correct answer they will ask leading questions. The technique can be seen as creating leading, loaded or weighted questions. Used in this way it can be largely convergent in the thinking it inspires. It directs towards and converges upon the questioner’s point of view, rather than helping to clarify the premise of the questionee. If this is the aim then the method can be used as a debating technique to ‘win’ an argument. This is a problem in some contexts, for example in coaching.

Therefore even though it is non-directive in style it can be quite directive in its application. For a leader and manager, this can be very useful when helping someone to see an error in their work, thinking or behaviour. Instead of directly criticising or pointing out the fault, using the Socratic method you can help a person to see the illogical or erroneous nature of their approach.

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think”

Socrates

Watch-outs when using the approach

One danger to this method, if you use it in the directive style, is that the conversation can descend into an argument. Debating can take this Socratic approach but when people are divided in viewpoint then this can descend into pure rhetoric. It is then about point scoring or winning. The value of listening to the other person and discussing alternative viewpoints is lost.  This is often what happens in political debates.

At worst this becomes an exercise in confirmation bias rather than enquiry. The resulting argument undermines potential learning that should take place.  Therefore this descent should be avoided.

My advice is to remain humble. As Socrates himself said:

“The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing.”

Socrates

As you look at the evidence for and against a position it may turn out that the wrong assumption lies with you. I have certainly found that out before! Remember the advice of Stephen Covey:

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Stephen Covey

Nancy Kline uses a similar process (in terms of steps) to the Socratic method in her Thinking Partnerships. The difference is that the Thinking Environment approach and the nature of the questions used make it less directive or confrontational and therefore better for coaching and mentoring.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Socrates

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A question framework for the Socratic method

Here is an example 5 step framework for this type of Socratic questioning:

1. Receive

First, receive what the other person has to say. Listen to the other person’s premise, view or argument. And remember you have to properly listen to be able to do the next step.

2. Reflect

Sum up the person’s view-point or argument and reflect it back. Do this by first getting them to clarify and sum up their position and then by paraphrasing or repeating it back to them.

3. Refine

Ask them to provide their evidence. Find out why they are thinking or acting in that way. Discover the facts, values or assumptions that underpin their standpoint. Often the premise will be based on beliefs rather than hard facts. Challenge these assumptions to test their validity.

Use further questions to uncover the fallacy of any wrong presuppositions. These are often ‘why’ questions. For example: “Why do you think that?” Sometimes it can be helpful to construct the ‘why’ question as a ‘what’ question for example: “What makes you think that?” This is because why questions can often feel confrontational.

At times you may need to provide contrary evidence to challenge an assumption but try and structure this as a question too if possible. If there is a cognitive fallacy (a wrong way of thinking) then try and get them to find an exception (or if necessary provide one) that proves their own theory wrong. Discover and explore this circumstance to discover new, better thinking. In this way, you are refining the basic premise of the discussion.

4. Re-state

Now that you have refined your thinking get them to reformulate and re-state their position. If they see that they had a wrong assumption, get them to adapt or renew their wording and then re-state it.

5. Re-start

Now they have a new viewpoint you can go back to the start of the process. You can assess the new premise and challenge any further wrong assumptions in their thinking. This iterative or dialectic process helps to drill down to the core of the issue. This method becomes a cycle of dialogue.

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The goal of the Socratic method

And that’s it. Simple. The question technique framework is easy to remember; the skill comes in applying it. The challenge, as noted before is to really listen to the other person and truly commit to coming to a better-shared understanding of the issue. This may come from challenging assumptions or illogical viewpoints but the goal of the Socratic method is not about winning an argument, it is about finding understanding, knowledge and truth.

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”

Socrates

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For more on the development of questioning techniques see Beyond the 5Ws: Ask Questions like a Philosopher.

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References

Ballif, M and Moran, M G (2005) Classical Rhetorics and Rhetoricians: Critical Studies and Sources, Westport: Praeger

Covey, S R (1989) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, London: Simon and Schuster

Kline, N (1999) Time to Think. London: Ward Lock

Waterfield, R (trans.) (1987) Plato’s Thaeatetus, London: Penguin

The Socratic method? What on earth is that and why should I care?

Great questions.

I have been professionally taught (as a bomb disposal officer) and teach (as an instructor) question techniques.  I have also studied ancient history and modern psychology. With all that knowledge I have found there is little to beat the ancient wisdom of the Socratic method. That is why I use it, not only in my work as a professional coach but also in everyday discussions.

I recommend the Socratic method as it is a simple and practical approach to dialogue that you can use when having pretty much any discussion. As you read this you may find that you are using some of the techniques already.

But, if you hone your technique you will also improve your:

• Listening skills
• Ability to ask the right questions
• Critical thinking skills

So, whether you are a leader trying to manage your team, a frustrated buyer trying to deal with customer service, or just down in the bar putting the world to right, you will find something here for you.

I came here for an argument

Imagine that someone says something to you that you think is wrong. Time for a debate, right? You can point out their mistake and put your (obviously better) point across. Job done; argument won.

But what if winning the argument is at the expense of a relationship? What if you misunderstood what they were trying to say? Worse still, what if your position is wrong? I expect that we can all think of plenty of examples which is why we all have something to learn.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

Socrates

Conversational game theory

We often treat discussions as a zero-sum game. In other words, there is only one winner: win-lose in game theory parlance.

This type of dialogue is debating; one party is trying to prove that their argument is better than the other persons. But there is the rub. A debate often places emphasis on the ‘better’ rather than the most truthful argument. This is why skilful orators and writers employ rhetorical devices to create forceful arguments. They want to win.

Deep down we all feel slightly soiled when assaulted by these sorts of arguments. But unfortunately, we tend to overlook the negatives of rhetoric when we agree with the point being put across. That is largely due to our own confirmation bias.

The problem is, even when we do agree with some of this rhetoric there is a niggling feeling that things are not quite right, that we cannot move forward. That can happen in personal relationships, at work or on big political and international issues. Try to discuss any wicked problem such as education, health care or the environment and you will see what I mean.

Take politics as another example. One of the things that put many people off politics is the endless rhetoric. This is not a new phenomenon; it did not start with The Daily Show. This Sophist style of rhetoric has been challenged and ridiculed since Aristophanes was writing hit comedies for the ancient Greeks circa 400 BC.

This is because this approach to a conversation leads to the polarised stances of people, issues, and political parties. This type of debate leaves little ground for commonality. Things often end in a stalemate rather than consensus. That is bad for everyone as now we have gone from win-lose to lose-lose.

But there is a better way. Win-win outcomes are possible.

Constructive discussion

Dialogue does not need to be a debate. It all depends on the outcome that you are pursuing and how you seek to achieve that endpoint. Are you trying to resolve the argument or win it?

Are you trying to confirm your truth or the truth? The idea of the truth or absolute truth is a post-modern conundrum, so let’s park that philosophical debate for a moment. The point of the question is: are you trying to get to the actual best outcome or just what you think is the best outcome? Are you seeking understanding, or is it just “my way or the highway”?

If you are truly seeking an understanding of an idea and the best outcome for all parties then a dialogue can be a truly creative process. This is the strong belief of Nancy Kline and her development of the ‘Thinking Environment‘ where quality thinking and dialogue can take place.

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”

Socrates

From heated debate to challenging dialogue

That does not mean the dialogue is not robust. You do not have to agree with everything the other person says. In fact, just the opposite. The idea is to understand the other person’s viewpoint but then challenge presuppositions and wrong assumptions.

This is not only good for getting to the truth (whatever that might be) it can be truly liberating. Good coaches and therapists know that unpicking wrong assumptions is key to unlocking many people’s challenges. It frees people from wrong thinking and therefore frees them. Frequently it is our false beliefs that hold us back.

So, you can be robust but the approach to the discussion is key. You do not start with the presupposition that you are right.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

Socrates

This approach to dialogue goes back a long way, to Aristophanes and before: it is the Socratic (or elenctic) method.

How to use the Socratic method

The Socratic Method (or method of elenchus), as outlined in Plato’s Theaetetus, is a process of questioning that inspires critical thinking and analysis. Primarily the method was designed for moral and philosophical enquiry, but the technique has been used for pretty much any discussion.

Here I have simplified the Socratic dialogue approach into 5 steps:

1. Receive 

First, receive what the other person has to say. This means listening to the other person’s premise, view or argument. And remember you must properly listen to be able to do the next step. The higher your level of listening, the more effective you will be.

2. Reflect

Sum up the person’s viewpoint or argument and reflect it back. Do this by first getting them to clarify and sum up their position and then by paraphrasing or repeating it back to them. This is a classic coaching technique that builds both understanding and rapport.

3. Refine

Ask them to provide their evidence. Find out why they are thinking or acting in that way. Discover the facts, beliefs or assumptions that underpin their standpoint. Often the premise will be based on assumptions rather than hard facts. Challenge these assumptions to test their validity.

Use further types of questions to uncover the fallacy of any wrong presuppositions. These are often ‘why’ questions. For example: “why do you think that?” Sometimes it can be helpful to construct the ‘why’ question as a ‘what’ question for example: “what makes you think that?” This is because why questions can often feel confrontational.

At times you may need to provide contrary evidence to challenge an assumption but try and structure this as a question too if possible. If there is a cognitive fallacy (a wrong way of thinking) then try and get them to find an exception (or if necessary, provide one) that proves their own theory wrong. Discover and explore this circumstance to discover new, better thinking. In this way, you are refining the basic premise of the discussion.

4. Re-state

Now that you have refined your thinking get them to reformulate and re-state their position. If they see that they had a wrong assumption, get them to adapt or renew their wording and then re-state it.

5. Repeat

Now they have a new viewpoint you can go back to the start of the process. You can assess the new premise and challenge any further wrong assumptions in their thinking. This method becomes a cycle of dialogue (similar to Kolb’s learning cycle). The iterative or dialectic process helps to drill down further and further to get to the core of the issue.

And that’s it. Simple. The question technique framework is easy to remember; the skill comes in applying it. The challenge, as noted before, is to really listen to the other person and truly commit to coming to a better-shared understanding of the issue.

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think”

Socrates

Why people (especially leaders) need to use the Socratic Method and ask good questions

As a leader who prefers to lead in a non-directive style (in other words I ask lots of questions) and as a professional leadership coach, I know that seeking understanding is vitally important to success.

That is because success is not just winning the prize or beating the competition. That is short term. Real leadership success is taking people with you, involving them in the journey and creating a future that is better for everyone. As a leader, you might have a fabulous vision of that better future but if you want to get there you need to take people with you.

Whoever you are, whether in a leadership role or not, you should want to embrace the diversity of thought others bring in order to learn, as well as to achieve your life goals. You will also want to unblock any negativity in relationships that you have. This means you need to develop an understanding and apply empathy and emotional intelligence. Remember:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Socrates

Therefore, seek understanding. Seek knowledge. Have productive dialogue. Learn. Progress.

This is why I have found asking questions so powerful and the Socratic method so useful. The father of philosophy gives us the structure, all we need to bring is the right attitude.

So, next time you feel your argument becoming a polarised debate, remember the Socratic method and have a truly productive exchange of ideas.

And if you want to continue to further your skills, read Ask Questions as a Philosopher; Answer Like a Visionary