Socratic Questioning

Socratic questioning is the disciplined sequence of probing questions used in Socratic Discussion to surface assumptions, examine reasoning, and lead a discussion toward an honest view of the question. The contemporary formalization by Richard Paul and Linda Elder categorizes probing questions into six types: questions of clarification, questions that probe assumptions, questions that probe evidence and reasons, questions about viewpoints and perspectives, questions about implications and consequences, and questions about the question itself. The six-type framework is the standard reference for what distinguishes Socratic questioning from general discussion.