Charles A. answered • 05/10/19
UCLA Law Lecturer Specializing in Complete 1L Curriculum
The "Socratic method" is a teaching device commonly associated with legal education. While the words "Socratic method" have been known to strike fear into the hearts of even the hardiest law students, when properly done it is an excellent mechanism for engaging with students. Essentially it involves the professor "cold calling" on a student not raising his or her hand and asking questions, typically about one of the assigned cases. However the student responds, the professor will ask further questions, pressing the student to more concisely explain and/or defend her answers. The goal is to force the student to think critically about the precise legal issues at hand, without resorting to overly generalized or vague answers.
If done in an aggressive or bullying way, the technique terrifies the student so much that all pedagogical value is lost. If done respectfully and thoughtfully, it is an important device for getting students to overcome their fear of public speaking, as well as encouraging them to think deeply about the material. Check out the 1970s novel and movie The Paper Chase (or read about it online) for some great Socratic method scenes involving the infamous Professor Kingsfield.
The term originates from Socrates of Athens, the famous ancient Greek philosopher, who would engage his conversation partners in long question and answer sessions, typically leading his interlocutor into concessions which then prove the point Socrates was trying to make. When the other party would protest "I can't withstand you Socrates," his usual response would be something along the lines of "It is the truth that you cannot withstand, there is not much trouble resisting Socrates."
