All individuals ask themselves questions they wish to answer, which can be difficult to achieve (Castillero, s.f.). Often, the answer to these questions is sought in others, when in fact, the solution lies within oneself. In the case of important issues such as ethics, morality, and therapy, it is useful to turn to a method that originated in ancient Greece. Specifically, according to Castillero (s.f.), reference is made to the figure of Socrates, who is recognized for his philosophical approach that consisted of asking questions so that individuals could discover their own answers.
What is the Socratic Method?
Maieutics is a term of great importance in the field of philosophy (Ucha, 2012). To understand its meaning, the first thing is to know its etymological origin (Pérez & Merino, 2011), which comes from the Greek word "maietikos", which translates as a midwife. In correspondence with Pérez & Merino (2011), Socrates introduced maieutics in philosophy, as it is a technique that helps in the birth of a thinking being, not a baby.
The Socratic method is a dialogue technique that seeks to promote the critical thinking of the participants (Ibarra, 2018). This methodology is based on a series of questions that are posed to resolve doubts and conflicts, using tools such as irony (Castillero, n.d.). According to Castillero (n.d.), the questions asked during the Socratic dialogue are usually relatively simple and focus on the particles what, how, and why.
The Socratic method is a methodology that suggests that people are capable of reflecting on the problems that afflict them and maturing to mobilize their resources (Castillero, n.d.). In other words, the objective of this technique is not to provide an answer to others' questions but rather to ensure that the person delves into their own psyche to develop their knowledge (Castillero, n.d.). According to Pérez & Merino (2011), the maieutic technique assumes that the truth is hidden in the mind of each person.
The use of inductive questions is fundamental in this method (Castillero, n.d.). Questions derived from the subject are answered by another question that arises from the person applying the method, leading the subject's thinking in a specific direction without directly changing their way of thinking (Castillero, n.d.). The Socratic debate stimulates new and critical thinking, which can result in the emergence of new ideas and viewpoints (Ibarra, 2018). In correspondence with Ibarra (2018), it is considered a method of elimination of hypotheses, as the correct answer is found after discarding the invalid ones.
In summary, maieutics is a Socratic method that is based on asking inductive questions to stimulate the critical thinking of each participant. The objective is not to provide an answer but to help the person develop their own knowledge and reflect on the problems that afflict them. It is considered a method of elimination of hypotheses and encourages the emergence of new ideas and viewpoints.
Phases of the Socratic Method
Statement of the Idea
The main idea of the debating process is to generate critical thinking through the establishment of a hypothesis that the other participant does not share (Castillero, s.f.; Ibarra, 2018). To achieve this, a series of questions and hypotheses contrary to the original idea are generated, which forces the participant to examine their approach (Ibarra, 2018). During this stage, in accordance with Ibarra (2018), the participant may generate new ideas and perspectives on their original hypothesis, which contributes to the development of critical thinking.
Question Generation
When a premise is encountered with which the other participant does not agree, a series of hypotheses contrary to the original idea are proposed so that the proponent examines what was mentioned (Ibarra, 2018). During this stage, according to Ibarra (2018), the participant can generate new ideas about their original hypothesis, which contributes to the development of critical thinking.
Synthesis
To reduce distortions and establish the central points clearly, it is important to synthesize what is taken from the conversation (Aparicio, 2020). By doing so, according to Aparicio (2020), the possibilities of forgetting or disconnecting the responses offered are reduced.
Definition
The development of ideas between both participants is defined in two ways. On the one hand, according to Socrates' original method, the hypotheses of the first participant must generate contradictions in the interlocutor, and if they succeed, then they have the right in the debate (Ibarra, 2018). On the other hand, according to Ibarra (2018), if the participant does not contradict themselves, the debate continues until a contradiction is generated.
Conclution
Finally, when the participant contradicts themselves, the other can conclude that the original hypothesis is not valid (Ibarra, 2018). However, the debate does not have a winner or loser (Ibarra, 2018). That is, there should be no opponents or anyone testing the other (Sutton, 2021). According to Ibarra (2018), when the other participant shows that the hypothesis is not valid, this generates a new perspective on their original idea; this is the objective of the debate.
Aplication of the Socratic Method in Psychotherapy
The ability to ask questions is a skill that many people do not recognize (Sutton, 2021). Asking is an important skill that has been used throughout history in various areas of knowledge, such as education, health, and clinical psychology (Castillero, n.d.). In fact, Castillero (n.d.) mentions that the Socratic method, despite being ancient, continues to be widely used today due to its effectiveness in developing critical thinking and meaningful learning.
In clinical psychology, it is common for professionals to give advice or refute ideas, but this may not be beneficial in all cases (Aparicio, 2020). If therapy focuses solely on theories and arguments, it will not be useful for individuals and they may abandon therapy (Aparicio, 2020). Therefore, in correspondence with Aparicio (2020), it is suggested that the Socratic dialogue be used to have a more effective and useful conversation.
According to Robinson (2017), the contemporary Socratic method applied in psychotherapy is a cooperative exploration that encourages clients to reconsider their point of view and propose new approaches to problems. Additionally, this method allows clients to express their own ideas and compare them to the goals they want to achieve in therapy (Aparicio, 2020). According to Robinson (2017), Socratic questioning is not only a way to gather information, but also encourages the incorporation and analysis of diverse types of information.
Finally, the Socratic method avoids therapists talking too much and helps them ask effective questions that allow clients to process their ideas and compare them with their actions and goals (Aparicio, 2020). In summary, in accordance with Aparicio (2020) and Robinson (2017), the use of the Socratic method in clinical psychology can be a very useful tool to achieve more effective and satisfying therapy.
Referencias
Aparicio, D. (2020). Diálogo socrático para abordar el “sí, pero...” | Psyciencia. Psyciencia. Recuperado 18 April 2021, a partir de https://www.psyciencia.com/dialogo-socratico-para-abordar-el-si-pero/
Castillero, O. Método Socrático: qué es y cómo se aplica en la psicología. Psicologiaymente.com. Recuperado 18 April 2021, a partir de https://psicologiaymente.com/clinica/metodo-socratico
Ibarra, M. (2018). Método Socrático: Características, Partes y Ejemplo. Lifeder. Recuperado 18 April 2021, a partir de https://www.lifeder.com/metodo-socratico/
Robinson, S. (2017). Socratic Questioning: A Teaching Philosophy for the Student Research Consultation – In the Library with the Lead Pipe. Inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org. Recuperado 20 April 2021, a partir de http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2017/socratic-questioning/
Sutton, J. (2021). Socratic Questioning in Psychology: Examples and Techniques. PositivePsychology.com. Recuperado 20 April 2021, a partir de https://positivepsychology.com/socratic-questioning/
Ucha, F. (2012). Definición de Mayéutica. Definición ABC. Recuperado 18 April 2021, a partir de https://www.definicionabc.com/comunicacion/mayeutica.php
Pérez, J., & Merino, M. (2011). Definición de mayéutica. Definición.de. Recuperado 18 April 2021, a partir de https://definicion.de/mayeutica/
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