SOCRATIC DIALECTIC AND KNOWLEDGE 1

Socratic Dialectic and Knowledge

Seneca College
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Dialectic is a type of conversation where two or more people with opposing views

discuss the topics in the hope of finding the truth (Dialectic, 2002). Dialectic, in the context of

Socrates, results in aporia; which is the knowledge of not knowing anything (Norman 2019).

This is where the idea of Elenchus or Socratic method arises. In a Socratic dialectic, the goal is to

answer a series of questions to create a specific statement from a vague belief (Dialectic 2002).

However, the point of the Socratic method is always to “refute” or “scrutinize” a belief; that is

what the word “Elenchus” means (Dialectic, 2002).

In Plato’s early dialogues, Socrates uses the technique of elenchus to discuss the idea of

justice and virtue (Socratic method, 2002). Roughly, these steps are followed: First, the person

conversing with Socrates states a thesis (Socratic method, 2002). This thesis, or all thesis are

considered false by Socrates which results in him trying to refute the claim (Socratic method,

2002). Then, Socrates generalizes the person’s thesis to the point where the opponent still agrees

with the new statement (Socratic method, 2002). Now, Socrates argues to prove that the second

statement is contradicting the first thesis and the opponent eventually agrees (Socratic method,

2002). This is when Socrates claims that he has proven that it was valid to refute the thesis and

aporia is reached (Socratic method, 2002). Even though it seems that like Socrates has

knowledge about a topic therefore being able to refute it, the truth is he claims that he inquires

the subjects with people because he does not know himself (Robinson, 1953).

There are a few criticisms of the Socratic method that arise in real life application. First

off, the Socratic method of dialectics just brings awareness of a person to their opinion being

wrong but not why it is wrong (Robinson, 1953). This leaves the opponent in question to feel

discontent with the conclusion reached because there is no justification to the claim being made
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(Robinson, 1953). This is an obvious consequence of the method since Socrates himself

promoted critical thinking by using the methodology of dialectics and skepticism, but forgets to

keep the spirit of skepticism alive when he refuses to justify why someone may be wrong.

Furthermore, the Socratic method only works well when talking about issues in a vague

subjective manners (The Room 241 Team, 2018). It does not make any sense when there are

multiple perspectives to one question and all of these perspectives are being taken into

consideration (The Room 241 Team, 2018). It makes sense to reach Aporia when only one idea

is being investigated and more research is necessary, but if multiple perspectives are considered

and it is difficult to refute multiple perspectives. Even if all of them are refuted then no wisdom

can ever be reached. This is just counterproductive. Even if this is ignored, the Socratic dialectic

is simply demotivating for the participants. It can be argued that it is difficult to get someone to

reach wisdom through the provoking the negative emotion (Robinson, 1953). As it can be seen

in ​The Apology​, many people who Socrates converses with end up angry and eventually this lead

to his death. People who were once made angry in hopes of sparking their curiosity never really

get around to calming down to a point where curiosity can be practiced.

With all of the criticisms listed above also comes some type of a resolve to make the

Socratic dialectic more productive. Firstly, while it is true that the dialectic does not provide any

reasoning for why something may be wrong, it still gives a glimpse towards real knowledge

(Robinson, 1953). One can only make real progress if they know that there is something in need

of correction. While many people will feel discouraged and dumbstruck by the dialectic, the true

curious minds will always find solutions to the issues that arise. Secondly, to resolve the issue

multiple perspectives make it difficult to conduct a dialectic, or get any clear answers. However
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one can start off with multiple specific questions which are individually processed and then are

eventually used to replace the old poor ideas with new intellectual ones (The Room 241 Team,

2018). For instance, the five Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) and one H (How) can each

lead to different ways of looking at one topic, the resolve for each question can then be formed

into one (or more) cohesive idea to replace an old one. The idea of everything is falsifiable will

still be true, however the premise would now be considered true until refuted. Finally, even

though Socrates often demotivated people through his dialectic, it needs to be remembered that

his conversations, always came with a necessary shock that comes with shame (Robinson, 1953).

While shame can often be crushing, it can also be used as a motivation to find the correct way to

things. Afterall, not everyone hated Socrates. He had many students and friends who supported

him at his trial; so his method must have done its work.

There have been multiple applications for the Socratic dialectics in recent years; one of

which being a Socratic circle. A Socratic circle is a way to arrive at an answer (Socratic method,

2002). It is often used in schools for discussions for topics that arose from someone’s thought

process. The one core belief in a Socratic circle is that all new knowledge is connected to older

knowledge (Socratic method, 2002). The process used in a Socratic circle is fairly simple; first

ask an opening question which is general (Socratic method, 2002). Then, ask a guiding question

to deepen understanding (Socratic method, 2002). Lastly, Ask a closing question to summarize

thoughts (Socratic method, 2002). The method does not intend to have an actual dialogue or

debate, it just comes off the sheer principal of curiosity in Socratic dialectics. Another

application of the Socratic dialectic is in psychotherapy (Socratic method, 2002). The Socratic

dialectic is transformed in a way of asking questions which bring consequences and alternative
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actions to the front (Socratic method, 2002). Many psychological therapies including

logotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy also use dialectics to clarify vague ideas

(Socratic method, 2002).

The idea of aporia seems like it matches the views of many mystics who came after

Socrates. Socratic view of aporia was always an epistemological question, but after putting much

thought into this essay, I saw a connection of epistemology and metaphysics. Knowing that one

does not know anything is seen as wisdom by Socrates; but this idea also parallels some quantum

physics concepts. Heisengberg’s uncertainty principle states that both velocity and location

cannot be known. While that principle has been proven true through multiple experiences, it is

known that in the end though, the uncertainty at least gives an understanding of the world since

probabilities can be calculated. Similarly, while aporia itself may lead to a wisdom which is

often undervalued in society, the truth is, the universe might be running on a similar principle.

The Socratic dialectic is one of the most simplest attempts to understand the laws of the universe.
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References

Dialectic. (2002, May 21). In ​Wikipedia.​ Retrieved May 23, 2019, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialectic

Norman, A. (2019). ​Plato and Socrates​ [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vp21mjuc98k1yyu/AABoAMcMbmu5hkTsLOrIo95L

a/Week%203?dl=0&preview=Socrates.pptx&subfolder_nav_tracking=1

Robinson, R. (1953). ELENCHUS. In ​Plato's Earlier Dialectic.​ Retrieved from

http://www.ditext.com/robinson/dia2.html

The Room 241 Team. (2018, February 15). Socratic Method of Teaching: Pros and Cons [Web

log post]. Retrieved from

https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/should-educators-use-the-

socratic-method-of-teaching/

Socratic method. (2002, April 21). In ​Wikipedia.​ Retrieved May 23, 2019, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratic_method