Chapter 186

Common Socratic Method Pitfalls

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Pitfall 1: Leading Questions

Problem: Questions that push toward predetermined answers Solution: Ask genuinely open questions that could go multiple directions

Pitfall 2: Surface Skating

Problem: Accepting first answers without going deeper Solution: Always ask "What else?" or "Tell me more"

Pitfall 3: Interrogation Mode

Problem: Rapid-fire questions that feel aggressive Solution: Allow space for reflection between questions

Pitfall 4: Assumption Loading

Problem: Questions that embed limiting assumptions Solution: Question the questions themselves

Pitfall 5: Missing the Emotion

Problem: Focusing only on logic and missing feelings Solution: Include questions about emotional responses