Ever had one of those deep, introspective moments where you’re suddenly questioning everything–from your career choices to whether you really like pineapple on pizza? That, my friend, is the essence of self-discovery—though maybe not so much about the pizza—and it’s something Socrates, the OG of philosophy, had down to a fine art.
Socrates didn’t just waltz around ancient Athens making small talk. Nope. He was all about getting to the bottom of things, especially your deepest beliefs. And he didn’t do this by preaching; instead, he asked questions—lots of questions.
This process, is known as Socratic questioning.
How Does Socratic Questioning Work?
Let’s break it down into bite-sized bits, because Socrates never wanted anyone to just passively accept anything. He wanted you to work for it.
1. Clarification: “What Are You Even Saying?”
You ever had that moment where someone says something, and you’re nodding, but in your head, you’re thinking, WTAF? Socratic questioning starts by asking for clarification. It’s about zooming in on the fuzzy stuff and making sure you’re speaking the same language.
- Example: If you say, “I just want to be successful,” Socrates would say, “What do you mean by ‘successful’?” Suddenly, you’re not just chasing a vague idea, but starting to get specific. (Spoiler alert: success might not be what you thought.)
2. Probing Assumptions: “Are You Sure That’s True?”
We all have beliefs that rest on invisible assumptions, but when you start questioning those, things get interesting. Socratic questioning digs into the assumptions you’re making without realizing it.
- Example: Let’s say you believe, “I have to be perfect to succeed.” A Socratic response might be, “What makes you think perfection is required for success?” Now we’re getting somewhere. Is it about perfection, or is it about persistence?
3. Probing Evidence: “How Do You Know That?”
This one is about turning the tables on your brain. Sometimes we believe things without really knowing why. Socratic questioning nudges you to look for the evidence…scroll back in your mind and find what supports—or doesn’t support—what you think is true.
- Example: You might say, “I’m terrible at public speaking.” Socrates would calmly ask, “What makes you believe that?” Maybe you’re basing it on one awkward presentation, but now you’re realizing you’ve had good speaking moments too. Aha! Now exploring of the good can begin.
4. Exploring Alternatives: “What Else Could Be True?”
Socrates wouldn’t be happy with a single answer. He’d want you to consider all the other possibilities. This is where it gets fun—when you open your mind to different perspectives and realize there’s more than one way to look at a situation.
- Example: “I didn’t get that job because I’m not good enough,” you say. Socrates would ask, “Could there be another reason you didn’t get the job?” Now you’re thinking, maybe it wasn’t about your skills, but about the company’s fit for you or the fact you could’t fake enough interest in the interview. Flip the script around, pick out what you like.
5. Examining Consequences: “What If That’s True?”
Ever run through the ‘what ifs’ in your head? That’s what Socratic questioning does, but it’s not about catastrophizing. Instead, it’s about logically thinking through the consequences of your beliefs. If your belief leads to something you don’t like, maybe it’s time to question it.
- Example: If you believe, “I’ll never be happy unless I’m rich,” Socrates might ask, “What are the consequences of believing that?” You might start to realize that this mindset leads to constant dissatisfaction, even when things are going well. Time for a belief upgrade!
6. Encouraging Self-Reflection: “Why Does This Matter?”
At the heart of Socratic questioning is the belief that we should know ourselves—not just skim the surface but really dive deep into why we think the way we do. This final step asks, “Why is this belief important to you?” It’s where the rubber meets the road on your personal growth journey.
- Example: If you’re constantly chasing validation, Socrates might ask, “Why do you need others’ approval so much?” Now you’re delving into your deeper motivations and insecurities, which—let’s face it—can be uncomfortable, but also incredibly enlightening. (But, like, SUPER uncomfortable).
Socrates, Your Personal Growth Coach
What’s great about Socratic questioning is that you don’t need to do anything fancy to try it out. It’s something you can use every day. In literally any way possible. Whether you’re rethinking a career choice, reflecting on why you feel like crying for no reason, or even just wondering why you spend so much time doomscrolling TikTok.
The key is to get comfortable with the discomfort of questioning your beliefs. It’s not about tearing yourself down but about getting curious about the reasoning (or lack thereof) you have invested in these beliefs—questioning your assumptions, examining your thought patterns, and building a better, more authentic understanding of yourself.
So, the next time you catch yourself in a moment of doubt or uncertainty, channel your inner Socrates and ask: “But why?”