Socratic Methods: A Linear View

According to Tucker (2007), “The Socratic methods, or elenchus, is defined as a prolonged series of questions and answers which refutes a moral assertion by leading an opponent to draw a conclusion that contradicts his own viewpoint, during this dialogue, students are forced to critically examine other viewpoints and question their own assumptions and assertions” (p. 80).  According to the Socratic methods it is not necessary to look for truth on a specific topic, it is discovering truth for ourselves. Tucker (2007), stated “education emphasizes critical thinking, original thought, and judgment. Socrates stated that he is not a teacher in the sense that “teaching” is simply transferring knowledge from instructor to student. He does, however, engage students in a dialogue designed to enable the discovery of truth for themselves” (p. 81-82).  Socratic methods create critical thinking more or less helps students think critically, I believe the two go hand and hand.  Socratic methods have emphasis on critical thinking and professional dialogue.  Socratic methods are used in professional environments.  According to Tucker (2007):

Use of the Socratic method serves to produce a strong professional in fields that are mainly self-governing. The largely successful efforts of law and medicine to maintain high professional standards (and remarkably little legislative oversight) have their foundation in the emphasis on critical thinking and professional dialogue (p. 81).

From a philosophical perspective, I concur with Socrates, who said know thy self. As such, self-awareness within any environment or the universe is central to all possible successes regardless of the trajectories. I believe that a linear view is the correct observation of all life. I believe the concept of linear is a constant move forward in one’s life. Regardless, in most instances, there are no do-over, just a lot of lessons learned. One can’t un-ring the bell, but one learns to ring the bell in a different tone or manner based on a self-analysis, experience, and lessons learned or echoed through the universe. Hader (2007) suggested that a “critical self-analysis of your own leadership strengths and limitations is the first step in determining if you're right for the role. Having commitment, work ethic, and passion serve as strengths” (p. 43) in a life-course that is linear.

Reference

Hader, R. (2007). Are you prepared for your role as a cno?  Nursing

           

            Management, 38(3), 43- 44.

Tucker, A. (2007). Leadership by the Socratic Method. Air & Space Power Journal,

            21(2), 80. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.