Socratic Pedagogy

Abstract

To most of us, conversation comes naturally. It is something we do every day; from fleeting exchanges at the supermarket, to inconsequential remarks aimed at filling up the routine morning greetings when we arrive at work, to convivial exchanges among guests at a dinner party. These conversations might touch on a topic, or, in the case of longer exchanges, move from one topic to another. On the other hand, we sometimes find ourselves engaged in more structured conversation. Unlike ordinary forms of conversation which are an everyday part of living, in structured conversations participants inquire into something, they seek an outcome, and make progress towards it. These are the sorts of conversations that we sometimes have with friends or family members that we are apt to call 'deep and meaningful', or when people come together in agreement, or when politicians seek genuine solutions, or professionals gather to deliberate over new ideas or hypotheses.s