The Socratic Style

The art of good thinking starts at the question!

Questions for Clarification

• What do you mean by _____?
• What is your main point?
• How does _____ relate to _____?
• Could you put it another way?
• What do you think is the main issue here?
• Let me see if I understand you: you mean ____ or _____?
• Jane, could you summarize in your own words what Richard has said?
• Richard, is that what you meant?
• Could you give me an example?
• Would this be an example: _____?
• Could you explain that further?

Questions about the Initial Question or Issue

• How can we find out?
• What does this question assume?
• Would ____ put the question differently?
• Can we break this question down at all?
• Does this question lead to other questions or issues?

Questions that Probe Assumptions

• What are you assuming?
• What could we assume instead?
• You seem to be assuming _____. Do I understand you correctly?
• How would you justify taking this for granted?
• Is this always the case? Why do you think the assumption holds here?

Questions that Probe Reasons and Evidence

• What would be an example?
• Could you explain your reasons to us?
• Are those reasons adequate?
• Do you have any evidence for that?
• How could we find out if that is true?

Questions that Probe Origin or Source Questions

• Where did you get this idea?
• Have you been influenced by anyone? The media? Your peers?
• What caused you to feel this way?

Questions that Probe Implications and Consequences

• What are you implying by that?
• What effect would that have?
• What is an alternative?
• If this is the case, then what else must be true?

Questions about Viewpoints or Perspectives

• How would other groups of people respond? Why?
• How could you answer the objection that _____ would make?
• Can anyone see this another way?
• What would someone who disagrees say?

 Source: Critical Thinking: What Every Person Needs to Survive in a Rapidly Changing World