Definition

Noun: - A pedagogical technique based on dialogue and questioning: The maieutic method is a form of inquiry and instruction where a teacher guides a student to discover knowledge or realize truths for themselves through a systematic series of questions and answers. It is based on the Socratic idea that the learner already possesses latent knowledge, which the teacher helps "give birth to" through dialogue.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The professor favored the maieutic method, believing true understanding came from within the student.
  • Socrates is famous for using the maieutic method to explore complex concepts like justice and virtue.
  • Instead of lecturing, the tutor employed a maieutic method, prompting the child to reason through the math problem step by step.

Advanced Usage

• "Socratic method": This is a direct synonym and the more common term for the maieutic method. It emphasizes its origin with the philosopher Socrates.
  • Law schools often use the Socratic method to train students in critical thinking.

Variants and Related Words

• Maieutic (adj): Of or relating to the maieutic method; serving to bring out latent ideas.
  • His teaching style was distinctly maieutic, focused on drawing out conclusions rather than stating them.
• Socratic dialogue (n): A literary genre or a conversational format based on the maieutic method, where knowledge is sought through question and answer.
  • Plato's "Republic" is written as a Socratic dialogue.

Synonyms

• Socratic method: The pedagogical technique of questioning to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.
• Dialectical method: A method of argument or exposition that systematically weighs contradictory ideas to resolve their conflict, closely associated with Socratic questioning.
• Elenchus: Specifically refers to the Socratic technique of cross-examination that exposes contradictions in one's beliefs.

Related Phrases

• To elicit knowledge: To draw out or evoke knowledge through questioning, which is the core function of the maieutic method.
  • The goal of the discussion was to elicit knowledge from the participants' own experiences.

Noun

1. a method of teaching by question and answer; used by Socrates to elicit truths from his students