The Socratic Method transforms AI from an answer machine into a thinking catalyst. Instead of providing solutions, AI asks questions that unlock your own insights, challenge assumptions, and reveal hidden connections.
The Philosophy Behind the Method
Socrates believed that wisdom existed within people—it just needed to be drawn out through skillful questioning. When applied to AI:
1. Questions Over Answers: AI guides exploration rather than dictating solutions 2. Discovery Over Delivery: You uncover insights rather than receive them 3. Depth Over Surface: Each question digs deeper into core issues 4. Assumptions Exposed: Hidden beliefs surface for examination 5. Wisdom Emerges: Solutions arise from your own understanding
The Three Levels of Socratic Inquiry
Level 1: Clarification Questions - What do you mean by...? - Can you give an example? - How does this relate to...?
Level 2: Assumption Probing - What assumptions are you making? - What if the opposite were true? - Why do you think that is the case?
Level 3: Perspective Shifting - How would your competitor view this? - What would this look like in 10 years? - If you had unlimited resources, what would change?