Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The Socratic method requires one active questioner and one passive respondent, not two players.
In plain terms
Philosophy is not a game played by two equals.
What can you take from it?
True inquiry needs active guidance.

Where it applies

  • leading discussions
  • learning philosophy
  • teaching students

Putting it to work

  • ask good questions
  • guide discussions
  • avoid false balance

Questions to consider

  • Who leads your conversations?
  • Is inquiry a game?

Another view

The model is rigid and ignores mutual inquiry.

More from Max Beerbohm

  1. Just as 'pluck' comes of breeding, so is endurance especially an attribute of the artist. Because he can stand outside himself, and (if there be nothing ignobl…

    Permalink to quote #24
  2. Everywhere he found his precept checkmated by his example.

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. Of all the objects of hatred, a woman once loved is the most hateful.

    Permalink to quote #23

Related quotes

  1. A Socrates in every classroom.

    Alfred Whitney GriswoldAlfred Whitney Griswold quote #4
  2. When an old and distinguished person speaks to you, listen to him carefully and with respect - but do not believe him. Never put your trust into anything but y…

    Linus PaulingLinus Pauling quote #7
  3. Awakening of Western thought will not be complete until that thought steps outside itself and comes to an understanding with the search for a world-view as thi…

    Albert SchweitzerAlbert Schweitzer quote #10