The Socratic Method - Ward Farnsworth

Do I Recommend this Book?

Emphatically. Skim for fundamentals; read thoroughly for knowledge.

Who should read this book?

• Amateur philosophers
• Teachers in both Primary and Secondary Education - people who's job is to encourage thinking, and opening minds
• They who aim to better think about thinking
• Postgrads

Approachable Academic Writing

The author's prose is concise, structured, and sourced. This isn't a journal or paper; The tone is convivial, the information direct, and clear. It is joyous to find good information when skimmed due to the authors' considerate writing style; it is neither opaque nor obscure. The 12 chapters detail the history of Socrates, their context, and the process of Socratic dialogue.

The points placed throughout the book are considered from a variety of perspectives across philosophy. I have learned of Mill's notion of the 'intellectus sibi parmissus' - the mind's natural conclusions when left to their own unexamined devices, and such conclusions simplistic essence.

I have learned of the idealistic state of aporia, to which all 'good-faith' argument should aspire, of Socrates' Elenchus, the method by which he drew out the meaning of a statement; a little of the schools of Plato, Aristotle, and Xenophon; something even of the Ancient schools of the Skeptics and the Stoics, and that they aren't so diametrically opposed as one might initially assume.

Even the structure of each chapter, each section and paragraph is well thought. Claims are explained and broken down into subclaims and subsections, each explained well and concisely. The heart of this book, it's purpose, is to encourage the reader to edge a little closer to the truth.

More; each time i return to this book, I uncover something new - my perspective of the 'Socratic Method' has changed, and Farnsworth's words reveal a new perspective, as the shifting colours of a kaleidoscope. Farnsworth's 'The Socratic Method' is an excellent publication.

Haz Grugette Better Thunks?

The Socratic Method, is a way of thinking; a process to be learned, and constantly improved upon. The famous words, "The unexamined life is not worth living" supposedly uttered by Socrates exemplify this process. However in life, one must learn when and to what extent something should be applied. Few are teh times in life one poses a question without expecting a tangible answer. Grugette hypothetically can better thunk, but thinking well is a lifelong practice. Grugette has means to recognize context, and can maybe apply appropriately, if lucky. Sometimes will fail. Grugette's mind a little open more than before this book. Grugette still fear big aporia - what happen when stakeholder want answer? Hmm. Stakeholder not happy with Socratic Dialogue and wise conclusion that know us nothings.

Socrates, a Friend

I feel that, without diving headfirst into the Dialogues, I have achieved some understanding of Socrates. He was reported to have been a pain; I can understand why. You can't win an argument against Socrates, becaues winning an argument against Socrates is winning an argument against reason. Should you even approach an answer, you would reach genuine aporia. I can count on one hand times I have approached genuine aporia, and even then, I doubt I genuinely reached aporetic truth.

A Worthwhile Read for all

Could I face this book as a child? Perhaps not - but likely as a teen. I would have enjoyed this wisdom in my younger years. If you are considering buying this book, I encourage you add it to your library. It is enlightening, warming, and encourages chasing the truth - courageous, in this uncertain world.