DIALECTIC AND SOCRATIC METHOD
DIALECTIC METHOD
The term dialectic comes from the Greek word diakliktike which means "the art of
conversation"
“a method of reasoning that compares and contrasts opposing points of view in order to
find a new point of view that will incorporate whatever is true in the originals."
In philosophy, it is a method of coming up with a conclusion from an exchange of
contradicting logical arguments.
OPINION AND TRUTH
The dialectic method may involve both opinions and facts as long as they are logical
and lead to the truth
REMEMBER:
The dialectic method deals largely with logical ideas. Opinionated points are allowed as
long as they are logical and they help in coming up with the truth; however, the endpoint
should always be the truth.
SOCRATIC METHOD
Also known by the Greek term "elenchus" means to inquire or to cross-examine.
The principle underlying the Socratic method is that students learn through the use of
critical thinking, reasoning, and logic.
The Socratic method is harnessed by teachers to ‘draw out’ knowledge from students.
The teacher does not directly impart knowledge, but asks probing, thought-provoking
questions to kickstart a dialogue between teacher and student, allowing students to
formulate and justify answers for themselves.
The Socratic method is named after Greek philosopher Socrates who taught students
by asking question after question.
SOCRATES
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher, one of the three greatest figures of the
ancient period of Western philosophy. Legendary figure even in his own time, he was
admired by his followers for his integrity, his self-mastery, his profound philosophical
insight, and his great argumentative skill. He was the first Greek philosopher to
seriously explore questions of ethics. One of his most devoted students is Plato who
also became one of the greatest philosophers of the ancient period of Western
philosophy and teacher of Aristotle.
