These last years have witnessed the emergence and blossoming of practices inspired by philosophy on the didactic and pedagogical scene. In this context, Socrates’ philosophy represents one main point of reference. Socratic dialogue is now a model for a maieutic conception of teaching as well as for the constitution of dialogical communities and for an interrogative inquiry into reality. However, at times this recovery of the Socratic model is not exempt from misunderstandings and anachronisms. The aim of this entry is to underline the main differences between the ancient and contemporary method.
Socratic Dialogue in the Ancient World
Socratic dialogue as a literary genre emerges in Athens during the fourth century BC, immediately after Socrates’ death in 399 BC, in order to bear testimony and leave a durable trace of Socrates’ life and method. (Some researchers argue that the Socratic dialogue as a literary genre was already present during Socrates’ lifetime, assuming a didactic...
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Candiotto, L. (2017). Socratic Dialogue: A Comparison Between Ancient and Contemporary Method. In: Peters, M.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Educational Philosophy and Theory. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-588-4_367
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