Socratic questioning and how to use it?

Socratic questioning is a form of dialogue and critical thinking that involves asking a series of open-ended questions to explore ideas, uncover assumptions, and stimulate critical thinking.

Drawing of Socrates

It is named after the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who lived around 470–399 BCE. He used this method to engage in philosophical discussions and promote self-examination. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Western philosophy and is known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, focusing on questions about morality, knowledge, and the nature of the self.

His method of philosophical inquiry, known as the Socratic method, involved asking probing questions to encourage critical thinking and self-examination. Socrates didn’t leave behind any written works; instead, his ideas and teachings were primarily transmitted through the writings of his students, particularly Plato.

I studied Plato at University, but I have to admit that I did not have the maturity to deeply understand the writings or delve into the profound nature of philosophy at that moment! Talk about the right time for things in our life… However, it did set me on the path of self-development and curiosity about some truly important questions in life as well as defining a clear code of ethics for myself.

Socrates’ commitment to seeking truth and wisdom, his emphasis on self-awareness and self-improvement, and his willingness to engage in philosophical dialogue even in the face of adversity have left a lasting legacy in the world of philosophy.

Socratic questioning is often employed in various fields, including education, counselling, coaching, and problem-solving. Here are some key aspects of Socratic questioning:

• Open-Ended Questions: Socratic questioning involves asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” These questions encourage individuals to think deeply, reflect, and provide more elaborate responses. They encourage expanding our minds and the ideas we hold rigidly.
• Exploration of Assumptions: Socratic questioning aims to uncover and challenge assumptions that individuals may hold about a topic or issue. By questioning these assumptions, it promotes a more critical and thoughtful examination of ideas. They make us explore concepts from different perspectives and points of view before arriving at a well-reasoned answer or potential answers.
• Clarity and Definition: The process often begins by asking individuals to define key terms or concepts related to the topic under discussion. This helps ensure that everyone involved in the dialogue has a common understanding of the subject and avoids distractions or going off-theme.
• Examining Consequences: Socratic questioning explores the potential consequences and implications of different viewpoints or decisions. It stimulates the process of thinking ahead and considering the long-term implications and consequences of their choices.
• Eliciting Evidence and Examples: The kind of questions asked prompt individuals to provide evidence or examples to support their arguments or claims. This helps in evaluating the validity and reliability of their positions, inspiring them to expand their line of thought and accept fresh evidence. Often, we accept as truth our perception of a situation while many ‘truths’ of perception and viewpoint regarding it exist. Having many valid choices allows us to pick up the most empowering one for ourselves.
• Encouraging Self-Reflection: Socratic questioning promotes self-reflection and introspection. It encourages individuals to examine their beliefs, values, and thought processes. It pushes us to go beyond our own self-imposed limits once we realize that we have them.
• Avoiding Leading or Directive Questions: The goal of Socratic questioning is not to impose a particular viewpoint but to facilitate critical thinking and self-discovery. Therefore, by design it aims to be neutral and non-leading, allowing the individual to arrive at conclusions on their own. This is one of the most powerful ways of stepping into insights!
• Socratic Questioning and Empirical Research Design: Empirical evidence refers to information gathered through direct observation, experimentation, or sensory experience. It involves collecting data, often quantifiable, to support or refute a hypothesis or claim. When designing empirical studies, researchers often use Socratic questioning to formulate research questions and hypotheses. By asking critical and exploratory questions, researchers can refine their focus and develop testable hypotheses.

Let us have a good and practical look at how Socratic Questioning can be utilised to break through a very commonly held limiting belief:

Limiting Belief: “I’m not good enough to succeed in my career.”

Our limiting beliefs keep us from freely enjoying the varied colours of life.

Clarification: “What specifically makes you believe that you’re not good enough for success in your career?”

Evidence: “Can you provide concrete examples or instances where you felt your abilities fell short in your career?”

Alternative Interpretations: “Could there be other reasons or explanations for those situations? What factors besides your abilities might have influenced the outcomes?”

Consequences: “How does holding onto this belief impact your career goals and decisions? What opportunities might you have missed because of it?”

Counterexamples: “Can you think of times when you did excel or made significant progress in your career? What did you do differently in those situations?”

Worst-Case Scenario: “If you were to challenge this belief and strive for success in your career, what’s the worst that could happen? How likely is that worst-case scenario?”

Best-Case Scenario: “On the flip side, if you believed in your abilities, what’s the best that could happen in your career? How might that change your actions and choices?”

External Perspectives: “Have you ever sought feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors about your performance and potential in your career? What did they say?”

Reframing: “How might your perspective and actions change if you replaced the belief ‘I’m not good enough’ with a more empowering belief?”

Action Plan: “What specific steps or strategies can you implement to challenge this limiting belief and build more self-confidence in your career?”

Try using Socratic questioning for your own beliefs. Through this process, you can gain a deeper understanding of the belief’s origins and its impact on your life, ultimately allowing you to make more informed decisions about how to address and potentially overcome it. If you need help in breaking through your limits, get in touch.

As a mindfulness practitioner and life-design coach, I help clients focus on well-being and personal growth and make life choices that prioritize their mental and emotional health. This leads to personal freedom and independence allowing the person to blossom and manifest the life they deserve.