BOOK: AOD Foundations

6.3. Socratic Questions

The Socratic questioning technique (Paul, 1993), rooted in the practice of Socratic dialogue, is a form of inquiry and debate intended to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. This method, attributed to the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, encourages deep questioning and exploration of concepts, beliefs, and outcomes. Socratic questioning can be categorized into six main types, each serving a specific purpose in the learning process and encouraging a thorough examination of the topic at hand.

1. Clarification Questions

These questions aim to clarify the topic or problem at hand and ensure that everyone understands what is being discussed.

• What do you mean by [term/concept]?
• Can you provide an example of that?
• Why do you think this is the case?
• Could you explain further?
• What is the main point of this argument?

2. Assumption Questions

Assumption questions probe the assumptions underlying a person's thoughts, beliefs, or arguments.

• What are we assuming here?
• How did you choose those assumptions?
• Can you explain why you think that assumption is valid?
• What could we assume instead?
• Are there any assumptions that might be challenged?

3. Reason and Evidence Questions

These questions request the reasoning behind a claim or the evidence supporting it.

• Why do you think that is true?
• What evidence supports your view?
• How can we back up that claim?
• What reasons do you have for your belief?
• On what basis can we trust this evidence?

4. Viewpoint and Perspective Questions

These questions encourage considering other viewpoints and perspectives.

• What might someone who disagrees say?
• How could we look at this differently?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of this viewpoint?
• Can you see this from another person's perspective?
• How would this situation appear from another viewpoint?

5. Implication and Consequence Questions

Questions in this category explore the implications or consequences of a belief or action.

• What are the implications of your argument?
• If we follow that logic, what could be the consequences?
• How does this affect [another concept or situation]?
• What are the long-term effects of this decision?
• If this is true, what else must be true?

6. Questioning the Question

This type turns the inquiry back on the question itself, challenging its foundation or relevance.

• Why do you think this question is important?
• What is the point of asking that?
• How does your question help us understand the issue?
• What assumptions does your question rely on?
• Could there be a different way to phrase that question?

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