Do you think that Socratic Method would be much more effective in preaching?

Question

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Socratic method is asking questions. So instead of telling someone, "Evolution didn't happen" you question, "How is life so complex?" Then, either you LEARN, or you TEACH (you gotta be open to both!)

the pretty - Why doesn't it make sense? (see how that works?)

rocknroll - Why not?

Don - No, that would be considered questioning. Preaching is stating what you believe (usually as "fact") with the intention of convincing others. Questioning is more efficient in finding the truth. The problem is I don't think that many people have enough of an open mind to LEARN through their questions as well as teach.

Don S - Yes I should have said, "instead of preaching"

Answer 1

Only if the subject being taught has certain characteristics. We cannot pretend that religious instruction is an open-ended creative discussion wherein skepticism can act as fuel. Socrates could, and certainly did learn from his students. But this is a predicate of the intellectual freedom or "space" inherent in philosophical discussions. Most importantly, we don't suppose the result to be a pre-determined laundry list of orthodoxies.

In other words, the Socratic method may indeed lead, but not necessarily where Socrates wanted it to. That liberty cannot be allowed in religion. Dogma has earned its name.

Answer 2

1. The point of the socratic method is not to convince your opponent but to eliminate your opponent's argument. This does not mean that you will change your opponent's mind, just that the record of the argument will reflect to an objective third party that your point is superior to his. Socrates chose to defy the court. He did not try to win his case. That is part and parcel of his story. 2. From what I can understand of the fact pattern you laid out, the reason your tactic did not work with your business deal is that the other guy was lying to you and was just trying to get you to lower your price. Don't blame Socrates if you're in the kind of business where you can't expect honesty. The Socratic method only works if there is sincerity on both sides. Otherwise, it's just another game of one-upsmanship. The guy you're doing business with is just another sleazebag who wants to get the price down. Obviously, your price is no better than others he's gotten somewhere else, so he can afford to blow you off if you don't drop your price. You should have told him that if he can get it at that price, there's nothing you can do to match it, or you should have matched it. Asking him to back up his claim is just bad salesmanship, and not at all an application of the Socratic method.

Answer 3

Each person must find their own TRUTH. The Socratic Method is great for things that can actually be calculated and figure, but in regards to the Almighty, I dont think that the Socratic Method would do anything more than help the wise become Wiser. Or cause many many many more Athiests and Agnostics in the World. It is really hard for most people to even begin to comprehend the Socratic Method, so what makes you think that it would help us better understand the un-understandable.

Answer 4

teaching or preaching? There is a huge difference!

The best way to teach is to teach both sides of the argument without giving judgment of either side. Give all that is known up until this very moment. Teach students how to contrast and compare. Some will eventually take things to the next level.

The best way to preach is to have your disciples repeat mantras over and over until they can't think for themselves very effectively.

Socrates was a good philosopher in his day. Not very effective in today's higher institutions of learning.

Answer 5

The Socratic method, while useful, is also hindered by its own limitations. It asks questions but offers no answers. How can one learn or teach when all you have is questions without answers? The Bible instead allows questions and offers answers instead of guesses. That makes it far superior to any other alternative.

BTW - real faith not only allows questions - it requires them.

Answer 6

Would that still be considered preaching?

If one uses that approach on any given point of contention, it can be ultimately followed to truth. Truth is what is left after the lies are exposed, and there is nothing more dangerous to a lie than questions.

Answer 7

The Socratic method has applications in all sorts of things. I also may help both sides learn...

Answer 8

I have asked questions on this site that I already knew answers to or that I already had in my own belief in. I think if you are asking a question it is put a little less on defense. Sometimes it makes people stop and think and research on there own in order to answer a question.

Answer 9

Any real religious leader would constantly ask questions.

Answer 10

Many preachers use questions-its powerful.