This refers to the accumulation of knowledge through critical thinking and asking useful questions. The method is named after Greek philosopher Socrates who taught pupils by asking question after question. He sought to expose contradictions in the pupils’ ideas and thoughts and then guide them to tenable, solid conclusions.
The underlying principle of the Socratic method is that pupils learn through the use of reasoning, logic, and critical thinking. The technique involves finding holes in students’ own theories and then patching them up. Particularly in law schools, a professor asks a number of Socratic questions after having a student outline a case, including pertinent legal principles related to the case.
Professors often manipulate the legal principles or facts associated with the case to show how its resolution can greatly alter if even just one fact changes. The objective is for students to bolster their knowledge of the case by thinking critically under pressure.
This often rapid-fire exchange happens in front of the whole class so that students can practice thinking and making arguments quickly. It also helps them improve their public speaking skills. While some law students find the process humiliating or intimidating, the Socratic method can actually create an engaging, intellectual, and lively classroom atmosphere when it’s done properly by a great professor.
Simply attending a Socratic method discussion can help one even if the person isn’t the student who’s called on. Professors utilize the Socratic method to keep pupils focused because the continuous possibility of being called on in class compels students to closely follow the class discussion and the professor.
In a Socratic method discussion, professors often randomly choose a student rather than waiting for raised hands. The first time is often difficult for every student, but one may actually find the process exhilarating after some time. It can be satisfying to single-handedly bring the class to the useful piece of information the professor was driving at without experiencing any difficulties.
Even if students feel they were unsuccessful, it may motivate them to study harder to be more prepared next time. Most lawyers can probably recall their shining Socratic method moment. It represents the core of a lawyer’s occupation: questioning, analyzing, and simplifying.
It’s important to understand that professors don’t use the Socratic seminar to demean or embarrass students. It’s a tool for mastering complex legal principles and concepts. The Socratic method compels students to define, express, and apply their thoughts.
