Methods of

Philosophizing:
Socratic method
of Philosophizing

Week 3
Outline

I. Engagement
II. Objectives
III. Methods of Philosophizing
A. Definition : Socratic Method
- Didactic Method / Maieutic method
B. 3 steps in arriving in the truth
IV. Group Paperwork
V. Group checking
I. Engagement

Step 1: I am happy
Step 2: Am I happy even though I am hurt?
Step 3: …?
II. Objectives

1. distinguish opinion from truth.

2. analyze the situation that shows the difference between opinion and truth.

3. realize the methods of philosophy that lead to wisdom and truth.

4. evaluate the validity of opinions using Socratic method

III. Methods of Philosophizing:
Definition of Socratic Method
The Socratic Method is a didactic dialogue of questioning
that is expressed in the critical examination and cross-
examination of the positions of every participant in the
dialogue. 
it is important to note that this method is SIMPLY A WAY
TO DISCOVER THE TRUTH.
III. Methods of Philosophizing:
Definition of Socratic Method
the Socratic Method is neither a rhetoric (or the art of
persuasion) nor a debate in which participants in a dialogue
(discourse or discussion) prove their position.

For this reason, those who are involved in a dialogue do

not attempt to persuade the other or debate with each
other, but work together in order to discover the truth. 
III. Methods of Philosophizing: 3
Steps in arriving the truth
Step 1: Give a definition of a thing or concept
Step 2: We look for those characteristics of the concept or
idea that are not captured in the initial definition. Find
exemptions from the thing you mentioned and form it as a
question?
Step 3: We give additional or new definition of the idea or
concept.
III. Methods of Philosophizing: 3
Steps in arriving the truth
Example:
Step 1: Chickens are two-legged.
Step 2: I am two-legged, am I a chicken?
Step 3: Chickens are two-legged birds.

Step 1:Chickens are two-legged birds.

Step 2: Are eagles are chickens.
Step 3: Chickens are two-legged flightless birds.
III. Methods of Philosophizing: 3
Steps in arriving the truth
Example:
Step 1: Fish live under the surface of water.
Step 2: Are corals fishes?
Step 3: Fish are animals which has gills, eyes, fins, and swims under water.

Step 1: Fishes are animals which has gills, eyes, fins, and lives & swims under water.
Step 2: Are whales fishes?
Step 3: Fishes are warm-blooded animals which has gills, eyes, fins, and lives & swims
under water.
III. Methods of Philosophizing: 3
Steps in arriving the truth
Step 1: Loving is giving.
Step 2: Is giving something to a person who does not deserve that something
loving? Is giving a person something that can kill him loving? Is giving something
that can make a person evil, knows that it can make him evil, but likes it anyway,
loving?
Step 3: …..?
III. Methods of Philosophizing: 3
Steps in arriving the truth
Step 1: Justice is saving more lives of people.
Step 2: Is it justice to get an organ of one innocent to save 5 criminals?
Step 3: …?
III. Methods of Philosophizing: 3
Steps in arriving the truth
Group work

Exercise: formulate your own ideas on getting to the truth using 4 ideas.

1. Lasallian 5. Happiness
2. Family 6. Peace
3. Friends 7. Wisdom
4. Romantic Love
Checking of other groups’ work

– Have the groups exchange works

– See if the other group followed the proper way of 3 steps of knowing the truth
– Suggest way to improve