What Is a Socratic Education?

This chapter explores the controversial educational methods of the historic Socrates. It begins by highlighting the historic context within which Socrates’ educational methods emerged and emphasizes the ways his methods diverged from standard Athenian educational methods. Then, it clarifies the Socratic methodology employed by the Socrates of Plato’s dialogues with an emphasis placed on his elenchus. With this, the ways Socrates stands apart from educators of his time and the present become clear. Against those who take teaching to be a transfer of knowledge, Socrates suggests that teaching ought to not take this form. Instead, Socrates suggests education should involve one confronting their beliefs and scrutinizing them. Upon scrutinization, one can begin to obtain knowledge. At times this will appear painful, but this too seems to be a part of Socrates’ methodology.