The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition Peter Boghossian (2023)

The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition | Peter Boghossian

This talk by Peter Boghossian at The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation explores the applicability and significance of the Socratic method in fostering critical thinking and advancing civilization. Peter begins by highlighting his interest in finding simple, conceptual “bales of hay” to clean up cognitive processes, inspired by a childhood lesson from his father on cleaning a polluted stream. He proposes that the Socratic method, a dialectical form of inquiry and discussion, can serve as a tool for improving epistemological hygiene.

Peter outlines the steps of the Socratic method: it begins with wonder, followed by a hypothesis, elenchus (cross-examination), and ends with either accepting or revising the hypothesis. He argues that this method can be applied beyond philosophy to everyday critical thinking and decision-making to help individuals and societies make better judgments and reduce errors.

The lecture further delves into the idea that the Socratic method, or a form of dialectical thinking, is fundamental not only to the advancement of Western civilization but could be an essential component of any advanced civilization, including potential extraterrestrial ones. Peter speculates that the method’s ability to foster critical examination of ideas, moral reasoning, and the pursuit of truth, regardless of the specific cultural or biological context, makes it a universal tool for progress.

Peter discusses the challenges of contemporary discourse, where moral convictions and the refusal to engage with opposing views hinder the application of the Socratic method. He suggests that fostering a culture of questioning, open dialogue, and willingness to reconsider one’s beliefs could counteract these trends and lead to a more enlightened and sustainable civilization.

Peter offers several profound insights, but the top five can be summarized as follows:

1. Universality and Necessity of the Socratic method: He argues that the Socratic method, characterized by systematic questioning to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas, is not just a hallmark of Western philosophy but a universal tool that could be indispensable for any advanced civilization, including hypothetical extraterrestrial ones. This method fosters a culture of inquiry, essential for moral and intellectual development, suggesting its fundamental role in the evolution of complex societies.

2. Epistemological Hygiene through Socratic Questioning: He introduces the concept of “epistemological hygiene,” likening the Socratic method to bales of hay used to clean a polluted stream, as a metaphor for cleaning up one’s cognitive processes. By engaging in this form of questioning, individuals can improve their critical thinking skills, be less wrong more often, and make better decisions. This method allows individuals to examine the foundations of their beliefs, challenge assumptions, and align their convictions more closely with evidence.

3. Challenges of Contemporary Discourse and the Role of Moral Convictions: He highlights the current challenges in public discourse, where moral convictions often lead to a refusal to engage with opposing viewpoints. He suggests that strong convictions, which are not open to scrutiny or re-evaluation, can be detrimental to both individual epistemic humility and societal progress. Encouraging a culture that values questioning, including self-questioning, and is open to changing one’s mind based on new evidence or arguments is crucial for the health of both individual belief systems and broader societal discourse.

4. Critical Thinking as a Core Practice in Western Thought: He emphasizes that true critical thinking, deeply rooted in the Western tradition through the Socratic method, involves reaching a balanced judgment based on impartial scrutiny of complex phenomena, texts, arguments, or concepts. This approach, originating with Socrates and Plato, is fundamental to the development of reasoned, ethical, and enlightened societies. It underscores the importance of not just acquiring knowledge but also developing the ability to question and analyze that knowledge critically.

5. Potential for the Socratic Method to Enhance Moral Reasoning and Societal Sustainability: He speculates that advanced civilizations, including potential non-human ones, would naturally evolve to adopt a form of the Socratic method or dialectical reasoning as a means of moral and intellectual advancement. This speculation suggests that the method’s capacity for fostering critical examination, moral reasoning, and the pursuit of truth transcends cultural, biological, and even technological differences. It highlights the potential of the Socratic method to advance individual understanding and societal progress and contribute to the sustainability and ethical development of civilizations at large.

In conclusion, the talk posits the Socratic method as an invaluable legacy of Western thought, crucial for the development of critical thinking, moral progress, and the sustainability of societies. Peter calls for the reintroduction and widespread adoption of this method as a means to navigate the complexities of the modern world and to ensure the advancement of civilization in a thoughtful and ethical manner.

Posts where this video is embedded

•  Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Critical thinking - a civic duty
•  The Two Pillars of Truth How the scientific method and Socratic elenchus underpin civilization

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Tags: civilization (21) | critical thinking (43) | epistemology (4) | Peter Boghossian (12) | philosophy (8) | Plato (10) | scientific method (26) | Socrates (15) | Socratic Dialogue (5) | Socratic elenchus (7) | Socratic method (13) | Western Civilization (1)

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Photo Credits: Gerd Altmann (CC0 1.0)