Improve your critical thinking

One of the pioneers of Western philosophical thought, Socrates, was on trial. The philosopher was accused by many Athenians of corrupting the youth and refusing to acknowledge their gods, leading many to fear he was a dangerous enemy of the state. However, Socrates was feared for asking too many questions rather than for claiming to have all the answers. Although he detested formal lectures, the philosopher frequently had in-depth discussions about morality and society with friends and complete strangers. These were not debates, nor would Socrates give direct counsel.In truth, the philosopher frequently asserted that he knew absolutely nothing, merely asking new questions in response to his partner's answers. But during this exchange, Socrates questioned their reasoning, exposing its gaps and assisting both parties in coming to a more complete understanding. Socrates won the affection of his followers because of his perceptive questioning. Plato and Xenophon, two of his pupils, were so moved by their inspiration that they imitated their teacher's method in make-believe conversations. These made-up conversations serve as ideal illustrations of what would later be referred to as the Socratic Method. In one of these made-up dialogues, Socrates is talking to a young guy by the name of Euthydemus who is certain that he knows what justice and injustice are. By asking the pupil to categorize behaviors like lying and theft as just or unjust, Socrates tests the student's moral principles. Euthydemus declares these to be injustices with confidence, but this simply begs the question: Is it proper for a general to trick or plunder an opposing army? Euthydemus amends his claim. He argues that these tactics are fair when used against adversaries but unfair when directed against friends.However, Socrates is not done yet. He challenges the young guy to imagine a commander inflating morale among his troops. In little time at all, Euthydemus is discouraged. Every solution appears to create new issues, so perhaps he is unsure of what justice actually is after all. Using this question-focused strategy, Socrates compared himself to a midwife whose questions help others give birth to their thoughts. His line of inquiry reveals an individual's unquestioned presumptions, which he then challenges.Although the method doesn't always offer conclusive solutions, it does make the questions clearer and get rid of any circular or conflicting reasoning. And by following a logical path of inquiry, both the questioner and the answerer may arrive to unexpected destinations. This method can be used in a wide range of fields because it is not constrained by the topic of the talk. The approach was used to instruct clinical medicine throughout the Renaissance. While a doctor questioned their presumptions and guided debate, students offered their justifications for various diagnoses. In this scenario, the technique might even lead to definitive findings.Later, other sciences like astronomy, botany, and mathematics adopted this same methodology. It was modified in the wake of the Protestant Reformation to address speculative issues with faith. The approach developed into a crucial component of American legal education in the 19th century. By presenting students with unexpected hypothetical circumstances, professors tested their comprehension of judicial reasoning. The Supreme Court still use this strategy to consider the unforeseen consequences of passing legislation. Almost every subject that calls for critical thinking may be taught using the Socratic Method, but how well it works depends on the teacher who uses it.A Socratic teacher must be knowledgeable in their field. Instead of making fun of their inferior intelligence or intimidating their students, teachers should be humble, genuinely curious, and appreciative of every input. The most deft Socratic instructor might not have been Socrates himself in this sense. Historiographers believe he had a strong distaste for the particular form of democracy practiced at Athens and was known to convey this distaste to his followers. Two of his students are believed to have been motivated to commit treason by these subversive ideals, which were misrepresented in public forums. Most likely because of these beliefs, Socrates was tried and ultimately found guilty, receiving a death sentence. However, even on his deathbed, painters portray a calm philosopher who is constantly curious to investigate the ultimate topic.