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QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 1

The Theory of Questioning, Self-Knowledge and Ignorance Admission in Socrates

Education Philosophy

Name: Michael Whitener

School of Education, Liberty University

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Abstract

The paper discusses Socrates's education philosophy. He proposed self-knowledge, questioning,

and ignorance admission as an integral component of the learning process. He live at the

Pericles' Golden age but distanced himself from Athenian politics. His philosophy received

criticism and backing in equal measure and his education concepts apply presently.

Keywords: Theory of questioning, education philosophy, knowledge, learning,

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The Theory of Questioning, Self-Knowledge and Ignorance Admission

Socrates once said 'the only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.' Many

scholars consider the philosopher as the father of Western philosophy and education. During his

time, Socrates contributed immensely to the development of education. In many ways, he

influenced the learning process by assisting that the first step to learning is accepting to know

nothing. Consequently, Socrates acknowledged knowing nothing and learned through

questioning (Socrates, n.d). Furthermore, he supported the implementation of evidence-based

learning in education so that students would support their points with proof. The philosopher

viewed education as an instrument to promote the quality of life not for individuals but the entire

society. However, his main contributions to education are the theory of questioning and

investigation, self-knowledge, and admitting ignorance as a way of knowing.

Background and Cultural Context

Socrates was born 469BC and died in 399 BC in Athens. He was born during the golden

age of Pericles in Greece (History, 2009). The period was characterized by massive economic

growth and Greek culture throve. Modern democracy also dates back to the golden age where

Athenians hold public officers regardless of their economic status. Socrates' father worked as a

stonemason and his mother served as a midwife. In his early years, Socrates became passionate

about learning new ideas. He served as a foot soldier in the Greek military and showed great

bravery and resolve in his roles (History, 2009). After living in Athens for many years, he

became legendary among the city youths. The Athenian society was chiefly materialistic and

every Athenian struggled for prominence at the time. On the contrary, Socrates lived a humble

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life and questioned every belief hold by Athenians. Despite living in a highly political society

where every Athenian was hungry for power, Socrates disengaged from administrative activities

(History, 2009). Religious-wise, he was born at a time when Greece worshipped different gods.

However, Socrates did not recognize the Greek Gods. He was executed in 399BC for claims of

dishonoring Athenian gods and misleading the youths.

Philosophy of Education

One of his contributions to the philosophy of education is the theory of questioning and

investigation. According to this theory, famously called Socratic Method or technique, learners

grasp concepts better when they question themselves (Kelam and Vucic, 2019). Based on the

philosophy, during the teaching and learning process, questions should be broken down to gain a

better understanding of the issues and separate truths from lies (Socrates, n.d). In today’s

academic settings, educators use a Socratic technique to enhance learning outcomes. Moreover,

students apply the questioning technique to advance their knowledge in different fields. Thus,

Socrates invented the investigation method of learning through inquiry.

Secondly, Socrates posited that the learning process began with the admission of

ignorance. Accordingly, Socrates considered himself more intelligent than other Athenians

because he admitted knowing nothing (Socrates, n.d). His views regarding the nature of learners

are that students knew nothing and were willing to learn through investigation and questioning.

Also, according to him, a good society ought to accept being ignorant to benefit from the

learning process. During his lifetime, many poets, politicians, and other influential Athenians

were unwilling to admit their ignorance and thus, would hardly learn (Socrates, n.d). In that

respect, the educators should also accept knowing nothing and seek more knowledge to be

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effective when teaching. Hence, Socrates' education philosophy was premised on first accepting

ignorance then seeking knowledge.

The third component of Socrates's education philosophy is self-knowledge. He affirmed

that knowledge was the definitive asset to improve the quality of individual and societal lives. In

that context, the learners ought not only to study to excel in careers but also in bettering their

society (Socrates, n.d). Through education, students were expected to be virtuous in character.

According to the philosopher, education outweighed money in terms of relevance as it led to

happiness and goodness for all. According to his view, learners should seek education to develop

morals rather than fame in society. Moreover, education should be a guide to gain knowledge

and avoid repeating the same societal mistakes. Consequently, according to the philosophical

perspective, education ought to be transformative to individuals and society.

Theory to Practice

Socrates's philosophy influenced other thinkers that emerged later. One of the movements

that emanated due to his philosophy was Stoicism. Stoicism supported Socrates's postulations

that virtue was enough to create happiness. Also, the group held that knowledge was paramount

to the world and influenced all societal matters. The Skepticism movement also continued to

question the legality of believing in different gods. In his lifetime, Socrates questioned the

worship and reverence accorded to different gods. He also influenced the use of thesis and

antithesis in modern academic settings to argue against or support a position. The Socratic

method is used in the teaching and learning process.

Perspectives on Diversity

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The philosophy entails diversity in two ways. First, by proposing questioning as a means

of learning; the philosopher encouraged accommodating diverse views rather than depending on

one point of view. Secondly, Socrates’ education philosophy upholds diversity by hypothesizing

that education should be used to impart knowledge that solves the unique needs of different

societies.

Critical Analysis

Socrates's philosophy never failed to divide views, just like any other. One of the

supporters of his philosophy was Antisthenes who echoed that virtue resulted in happiness. The

backing is true because individuals that hold to moral characters are often fulfilled by their

actions (Araujo Batista, 2015). Also, Socrates's position that knowledge came by first admitting

ignorance is correct because individuals who fail to accept their knowledge gaps are less willing

to learn. However, there was opposition to his theory of questioning during his time. Some

famous Athenians believed that it was incorrect for Socrates to question everything because it

made them appear foolish in the eyes of the public. His inquisitive nature is partly the reason

why he was executed.

Implications and Conclusions

In summary, current educators and students should apply Socrates’ education philosophy

in the teaching and learning process. Policymakers should establish a learning system that is

based on inquiry and thorough investigation to enhance educational outcomes. Contemporarily,

knowledge is used to improve the lives of people in society as Socrates's education philosophy

directs. Trained nurses, police, and other professionals improve the quality of life in different

ways. Possibly, the most intriguing aspect of Socrates' education philosophy is that intelligent

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people are those who admit knowing nothing. It is an interesting bit because intelligent people

regard themselves as knowing everything.

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References

Araújo Batista, G. (2015). Socrates: Philosophy applied to education - search for virtue.

ATHENS JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, 2(2), 149–156. https://doi.org/10.30958/aje.2-

2-5

Great thinkers on self-education: Socrates. Self Made Scholar RSS. (n.d.). Retrieved September

21, 2021, from http://selfmadescholar.com/b/2009/06/02/great-thinkers-on-self-

education-socrates/

History.com Editors. (2009, November 9). Socrates. History.com. Retrieved September 21,

2021, from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/socrates

Kelam, I., & Vučić, J. S. (2019). The applicability of the Socrates method of education in

Education Today. Pannoniana, 3(1-2), 115–145. https://doi.org/10.2478/pannonia-2019-

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