Socratic questions

Socratic questions are a way of inquiry that helps explore assumptions, evidence, consequences, and alternative interpretations.

Definition

Socratic questions are used in education, reflection, and cognitive therapy to test automatic thoughts and beliefs. They are not about interrogating or proving someone wrong, but about conducting a calm inquiry: how do I know this, what evidence is there, what am I leaving out, what is the alternative and what results from it.

Key ideas

Missing key ideas.

Practice and life

With a strong thought, ask three questions: "What evidence do I have?", "What can I leave out?" and “What interpretation would be more balanced?”

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to use Socratic questions to question someone's feelings. The second mistake is asking questions in such a way that they covertly lead to a predetermined answer.

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.