Final answer:
The Socratic method is a pedagogical technique involving critical dialogue and questions predominantly aimed at stimulating self-discovery and critical thinking. This method was used by Socrates to guide individuals to independently realize truths by engaging in question and answer dialogues to examine their beliefs and knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Socratic method, historically attributed to the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a pedagogical approach that involves a form of critical dialogue between individuals.
It is fundamentally about asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. This dialectical method is known for its pursuit of examining and challenging the beliefs of individuals, leading to their self-discovery of deeper truths and the understanding of underlying presumptions.
Utilizing this method, the teacher, much like Socrates did, aims to help students explore their own thoughts by engaging in a rigorous series of questions. This interrogation leads students to confront their implicit biases and gaps in understanding.
In essence, it is a method of hypothesis elimination, where contradictions are identified and eliminated to reach a more refined and accurate belief or knowledge.
Moreover, the Socratic method is instrumental in the field of epistemology, where it facilitates the construction of well-supported arguments and justification for one's beliefs.
Through Plato's dialogues, we see Socrates engaging in public discourse, effectively employing this method of teaching and learning, always striving to guide individuals toward their independent realization of truths, as opposed to simply imparting knowledge.