What is the Socratic method?
A) A lecture-based teaching approach
B) A method of inquiry using systematic questioning to examine ideas and expose contradictions
C) A debate format with timed speeches
D) A method of memorizing facts
What is elenchus in the Socratic tradition?
A) A type of Greek poetry
B) A method of cross-examination that refutes a claim by showing it leads to contradiction
C) A formal debate structure
D) A written philosophical treatise
What is maieutics (the 'midwife' analogy) in Socratic philosophy?
A) The idea that teachers should give students all the answers
B) The art of 'delivering' knowledge that is already within the student through questioning
C) A medical practice in ancient Greece
D) A method of writing dialogues
Hint: Socrates' mother Phaenarete was a midwife
What is Socratic irony?
A) When Socrates tells jokes to make a point
B) When Socrates pretends ignorance to draw out and examine the beliefs of others
C) When Socrates uses sarcasm
D) When Socrates refuses to teach
What does Socrates mean when he says he is the 'wisest' because he knows that he knows nothing?
A) He is being sarcastic
B) He is genuinely unintelligent
C) He recognizes the limits of his own knowledge, which is itself a form of wisdom
D) He is quoting another philosopher
In a Socratic dialogue, who typically does most of the talking?
A) Socrates, who lectures at length
B) The interlocutor, who is drawn out by Socrates' questions
C) A narrator who describes the scene
D) Neither — they share equally
What is aporia in the context of a Socratic dialogue?
A) A logical proof
B) A state of puzzlement or impasse when one's beliefs have been shown to be contradictory
C) A rhetorical technique for persuasion
D) The final answer to a philosophical question
Why did Socrates choose not to write down his philosophy?
A) He was illiterate
B) He believed philosophy was best pursued through live dialogue and that written words cannot answer questions
C) Writing materials were unavailable
D) He wanted his students to write for him
What is a 'Socratic circle' in classical education?
A) A physical circle of chairs for lectures
B) A structured discussion format where students examine a text through questions and collaborative dialogue
C) A group of Socrates' personal friends
D) A geometry lesson