The Socratic Method

After reading the article Professor Dolson cited in her blog, I saw many examples in the Phaedo that referred to what was to become known as the Socratic method. On p. 41, Socrates writes, "we should not allow into our minds the conviction that argumentation has nothing sound about it; much rather we should believe that it is we who are not yet sound and that we must take courage and be eager to attain soundness". I sighted another reference to this method of learning on p.42 when Socrates says, "if you will take my advice, you will give but little thought to Socrates but much more to the truth. If you think that what I say is true, agree with me; if not, oppose it with every argument and take care that in my eagerness I do not deceive myself and you and, like a bee, leave my sting in you when I go". It was fascinating to see the origin of a method of teaching that is now used widely in the collegiate atmosphere. After reading about the peculiarities of the Socratic method, it made me lose any desire to take any classes taught in this way. Apart from the fact that you have to be interactive in discussion, I do not like that the Socratic method has no limits or defined topics. As a staunch conservative, I like knowing what I am going to learn about. In my opinion a class taught in the Socratic method has a greater probability of not covering defined material in the syllabus. Although many people enjoy discussing topics at random, I tend to like studying concrete topics in detail, something that is often difficult for the Socratic method to accomplish.