Every person is familiar with the phrase “Truth is born in dispute.” But is this really so? Socrates, the greatest philosopher of all time, was confident that argument does not contribute to finding true knowledge, unlike conversation. Philosophy appeals to concepts: an argument is a desire to defend one’s position, but not in any way to “get through to the truth,” but a conversation is a discussion aimed at identifying the truth.
Most likely, this phrase arose as a result of an incorrect interpretation of his words, as a result of which many people mistakenly began to believe that the dispute could lead to something useful. However, the feeling of one’s own superiority that arises as a consequence of victory will never compare with the variety of feelings that arise as a result of the discovery of truth - which, in fact, is what the great philosopher actually spoke about.
In this article we will briefly outline the main ideas of the philosophy of Socrates and his dialectical method, and then we will tell you in detail about the innovative technology in teaching based on this method - Socratic seminars.
The essence of the Socratic method
Socratic dialogue in psychotherapy is a way of constructing a conversation in which the interlocutor ultimately agrees with what you say. You need to act like this: put the main question in third place, put forward questions for the first two to which the person will definitely answer “yes”. It is important that they are short and not overwhelming or time consuming.
As the name suggests, the Socratic method was created by the famous Greek philosopher. He not only loved to argue. In conversations, he always asked his opponents questions to which only affirmative answers could be given. So Socrates helped to see the full picture, to draw conclusions that were not noticeable at the beginning of the dialogue.
Now the Socratic method looks like this: you divide the idea you want to convey into 3 parts. You present each of them to your interlocutor in the form of a question to which you need to give a short answer. It is often predictable. It turns out that by your actions you seize the initiative and encourage the person to respond the way you need.
One of the modifications of the Socratic method is the principle of three “Yes”. In this case, the opponent also receives 3 questions. But they are not sequential, but randomly collected.
The main advantage of this way of building a dialogue is the prevention of disputes. And they are inevitable if a person does not understand what you want to say. But it’s important not to overdo it here. Remember that you are having a conversation. If you start a monologue, you will not be able to achieve your goal. You can convince your interlocutor with the help of a monologue. But this method is extremely ineffective.
Basic principles of Socratic dialogue
Conducting a conversation using the Socratic method is based on several principles:
- The interlocutor should have enough information to answer your question. Be very specific. Don't ask about things that go beyond knowledge.
- Direct attention to those details that a person might have overlooked. Give him the opportunity to consider different points of view. Don't insist on any one option.
- Use the hourglass principle. Move from abstract things to more concrete ones and vice versa.
At the end of the Socratic conversation, a person will see a complete picture of the current situation. He will not only draw the right conclusions, but will also be able to independently answer the questions you ask. And he will answer the way you need.
Three yeses in the Socratic method
This method only recently began to be called the principle of three “yes”. But it has reached our time without changing its basic idea. In the process of building a Socratic dialogue with an interlocutor, it is important to follow the main rules and formulate questions so that the other person answers “yes” without a doubt. Using this method, it is possible to prevent aggressive disputes in which people pursue the goal of asserting the last word, rather than proving their case with the help of obvious facts. In the process of verbal skirmish, two types of communication arise - dialogue and monologue. As for the monologue, this is a simple, but completely ineffective option. And dialogue is a more advanced tool that allows you to convince your interlocutor of something. When using this method, benevolent notes appear in the voice, and the person is led to a certain idea without any pressure.
Three stages of Socratic dialogue
So, the Socratic dialogue consists of 3 parts. Each of them pursues its own goal:
- Agreement. The interlocutor no longer wants to contradict you.
- Doubt. Be careful about what you think about the topic of conversation.
- Argumentation. Taking into account your opponent's arguments, you propose a solution to the situation.
Let's take a closer look at an example. Let’s say your opinion and the person’s opinion are radically different from each other. You are confident that you are right, but all attempts to prove it are met with resistance or complete ignoring. What to do? Use the Socratic method.
Agreement
At this stage, you need to find something in common, something that you can agree on without compromising your point of view. Let your opponent know that you are not putting pressure on him in any way. This approach will help direct the dialogue in a positive direction, and you will be able to at least briefly express your opinion.
You need to make sure that your agreement shows how things really are and is not a formality.
Doubt
Once you have established a friendly atmosphere, move on to looking for weaknesses in the argumentation on the part of the interlocutor. This will help reassure him that pressure is inappropriate.
Military officials say that to win a war you don't have to be 100% superior to the enemy in every way. It is enough to have superiority in just one stage. The same is true in dialogue. According to the Socratic method, there is no need to reject absolutely everything a person says. Doubt any one aspect of his reasoning. One doubt will cause a wave of others. Thanks to this, the interlocutor will be able to critically evaluate his opinion.
At this stage, it is important to remember 2 points. Firstly, you should not prove to your opponent that he is fundamentally wrong. Make him come to this conclusion himself. Secondly, try to look at the situation from the other person's point of view. Don't look for what you doubt. Think about what your interlocutor might doubt.
Argumentation
Now it's your turn to voice your point of view. You can give arguments, justify and defend your opinion. By this stage, a person will no longer offer resistance. He will be ready to receive what you say.
If everything is done correctly, then at this stage you will be able to bring those arguments that are suitable specifically for your interlocutor. This means that they will be more effective than general phrases.
Brief biographical information
The future philosopher was born into the family of a sculptor and a midwife on a so-called unclean day, so theoretically he could have been sacrificed if such a decision had been made by a meeting of people. In his youth, he studied the arts with the sophist Damon, listened to the lectures and discussions of Anaxagoras, and was a literate man, able to read and write.
Socrates is known not only as a sage, but also as a brave commander who distinguished himself in important battles, including the famous Peloponnesian War, as a militiaman. He led a poor and modest lifestyle. People called him a tireless debater who refused to accept expensive gifts and preferred old clothes. Judging by the notes and memories of his conversations that have survived to this day, it can be noted that Socrates was so educated and wise that he could discuss completely different topics: from crafts and arts to military affairs and justice.
Many people know how the life of the famous philosopher ended. He took the poison himself, as he was sentenced to death for speaking disrespect to the local gods, introducing new idols, and corrupting the minds of young people.
Example of a 3-step dialogue
Imagine a dialogue regarding purchasing a car. Let's say that your interlocutor considers expensive cars to be of better quality. Inexpensive options for him are a source of additional hassle. How to build a conversation?
- Agreement. Tell me that cars really can be both cheap and expensive. The same goes for quality. Agree with this statement.
- Doubt. Here we can mention the fact that not all expensive cars are suitable for our roads and climatic conditions. And it’s not always possible to buy spare parts for them without problems. In some cases, you have to place an order abroad.
- Argumentation. At this stage, it would be appropriate to note that for cheaper and simpler cars it is easier to find the necessary parts. They can be bought at any car dealership. You don’t have to search headlong for them in other cities or countries, and then wait months for delivery.
The Socratic method of dialogue is applicable in any field. He will help you emerge victorious from any, even the most uncomfortable or delicate situation.
General characteristics of the teaching
Socrates believed that the strengthening of society occurs through a deep knowledge of human essence in general and human actions in particular. For him, the theoretical and the practical are inseparable. Because of this, one who has wisdom, but due to behavioral characteristics and lifestyle, is deprived of virtue, cannot be designated as a philosopher.
Thus, true “philosophy” is realized in the desire to unite knowledge and virtue. Therefore, philosophy is not reduced only to theoretical teachings, but also to practical activities. Sages should cultivate good deeds, right living, and encourage others to do the same.
It should be noted that Socrates refused to study natural phenomena and space, because he believed that people could not influence them in any way, and, therefore, it was not worth wasting time on such things. At the same time, the philosopher recognized the importance of mathematical discoveries, achievements in astronomy, medicine, geometry and other sciences, advising only not to get too carried away in these areas, paying attention to the humanities.
If we talk about his ideas about the state and society, Socrates spoke in favor of the rule of noble people without involving philosophers and sages in such matters. However, since he actively defended the truth, he was forced to take part in the public life of Athens. After establishing dictatorship and tyranny, Socrates condemned them with all his might and also ignored political events.
Conversations with children using the Socratic method
It is noteworthy that the Socratic method is also suitable for conversations with children. It not only helps to convince the child that he is right. This is a great help in helping him learn to think and reason logically.
As stated above, the essence of the method is to ask consistent questions with predictable answers. As a result, the child himself draws the necessary conclusion. Feeling friendliness and kindness on your part, he will be ready to agree to anything.
When conducting a dialogue with children, it is important for you to clearly understand the end goal. You need to approach her with short, simple questions that your little interlocutor can only answer in the affirmative.
Example conversation
For example, we can cite the situation of going to the zoo. The problem is that the child does not want to go to bed, although in order to implement plans tomorrow he needs to get up early. What questions can you ask him?
- First, remind you about the trip.
- We will only be able to get to the zoo before lunch. Will we have time?
- What does it take to be on time?
- What needs to be done today so that we can get up on time tomorrow?
- If we need to wake up at 7 o'clock, what time is best to go to bed today?
- It's already late. Shall we go to bed or cancel the trip?
By answering these simple questions, the child will understand what and how he needs to do. The main thing is not to order and threaten, but to reason and give reasons.
Where is the technology used now?
This method can be used in a variety of areas of human activity, in the process of analyzing all kinds of problems and searching for their original causes. Questions allow you to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem.
Nowadays, Socratic dialogue is often used in sales. It is one of the techniques for manipulating the mind of a potential buyer, who is asked skillfully planned questions in advance. The purpose of such questions is to arouse the client's intention to buy the item.
A positive purpose for using the Socratic technique could be in the areas of education and psychological counseling. In this case, a person comes to understand certain truths that were previously inaccessible to him, but with the awareness of which his life becomes brighter and more versatile.
How to train the Socratic method
Learning Socratic conversation doesn't take long. In this process, it is important to highlight and adhere to a number of simple rules.
Think through the logic
Your main task is to convey an important idea to your interlocutor. But sometimes it happens that you yourself do not fully understand it. In order to correct the situation, write it down on paper. Then indicate the most important thing. If possible, illustrate what you want to say. This will enliven your thought and make it more vivid.
Formulate your points
Translate the words into questions that the interlocutor can answer with the word “yes.” Think about whether they will help him see the right direction? Will he be able to answer in the affirmative?
Where to start a dialogue
If the interlocutor is not in the mood for a conversation, it is unlikely that your attempts to prove something to him will be crowned with success. Therefore, try to interest them from the first words. Make the person want to listen.
Take the initiative
There is no need to wait until the interlocutor starts saying something or objecting to you. Ask prepared questions. In order not to hesitate, train in this matter. Several times a day, ask questions that your interlocutor will answer in the affirmative in any case.
Socratic method in psychology
Conversation is one of the main psychotherapeutic tools, and Socratic dialogue is also widely used in counseling. The therapist carefully prepares questions for the client to teach him new behavior patterns. The purpose of the questions is as follows:
- Clarify existing difficulties.
- Help the patient discover his incorrect psychological attitudes.
- Explore the significance of certain events for the patient.
- Assess the consequences of maintaining negative thoughts.
Using the Socratic dialogue technique, the psychotherapist slowly leads his client to a certain conclusion that he has already planned in advance. This process is based on the use of logical arguments, which is the meaning of this technique. During a conversation with a client, the therapist asks questions so that the patient answers only positively. Thus, he comes to accept a certain judgment, which was initially completely unacceptable to him.
Circles of Knowledge
It seems to me that the reasoning about the ball of knowledge is correct. But the term Knowledge Ball sounds somehow anti-scientific. Let's replace the ball of knowledge with a circle of knowledge. Or rather circles of knowledge. There are four such circles:
- I know.
- I know that I don't know. The conscious unknown.
- I don't know what I don't know. This is all the knowledge of humanity.
- Absolute knowledge.
Each of the outer circles completely encloses the inner circle.
The 3rd and 4th circles are the same for all humanity. Circles 1 and 2 are individual for each person.
Usually the expansion of the first circle contributes to the expansion of the second circle. Each expansion of the second circle brings us closer to the border of the third circle. If the growth rate of the second circle is much greater than the growth rate of the first circle, a person inevitably ends up in the Valley of Despair on the Dunning-Kruger effect graph.
Correct graph of confidence in your knowledge
This graph shows the dependence of confidence on one's own knowledge. It is similar to the graph from the Dunning-Kruger effect, but there will be differences.
Let us assume that confidence in knowledge is equal to the ratio of the volume of one’s own knowledge to the volume of knowledge of the second circle (K1/K2). Both parameters change over time.
Lines on the graph:
- The blue line shows confidence in your own knowledge.
- The red line shows the size of the second circle of knowledge.
- The green line shows the difference between the amount of knowledge of the second circle and the amount of one’s own knowledge (K2-K1). You can look at the table with data and graph here.
Socrates' teaching on general concepts
Socrates considered the goal of the critical work of the mind to be the acquisition of general concepts based on a strict definition of the subject. So, he tried to determine what justice is, what beauty is, what the best government structure is, etc.
According to Socrates, the process of formulating concepts follows the path of induction - generalization of knowledge about individual facts to general provisions - to definition - definition of the phenomenon about which the dialogue is being conducted. For example, Socrates asked: “Be kind, highly experienced and knowledgeable interlocutor, explain to me, who do not know, what beauty is.” “Beauty,” the interlocutor answered, “is, for example, a beautiful girl.” “Why, for example, not a beautiful horse?” - Socrates asked and continues to question until the interlocutor is forced to admit that he does not know such “simple” things at all. This happens because ordinary thought, when defining a concept, reduces it to one or another particular characteristic that is best known. Socrates easily broke down these philistine ideas, and then it turned out: a girl can be beautiful, but what is beautiful in itself is unknown; and a horse may be beautiful, but what is beautiful anyway? Socrates showed that reason is capable of giving not just an individual opinion, but universal, obligatory knowledge, which is expressed in general concepts. Thus, in general concepts (for example, “beauty”, “justice”, “good”) the main, essential properties of things and phenomena are fixed, the disclosure of which is the goal of knowledge.
The doctrine of good and evil
The right and true choice occurs exclusively in the process of knowing good and evil, as well as finding one’s place in the world. The main value and importance of good and bad lies in their direct impact on the human personality. It is the awareness of virtue that can control people: the one who has realized the good and the bad will in the future act as knowledge tells him.
Thus, we can conclude that Socrates considers a person to be initially non-evil, and also not to commit evil acts voluntarily. In addition, the philosopher asserted the identity of good and benefit, which are essentially the same term. Later, some schools interpreted such statements in the spirit of utilitarianism and even hedonism, however, in fact, Socrates did not reduce everything to material gain. He only implied the “true”, as if sublime, benefit of such feelings.
