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Running head: QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 1

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

Education Philosophy

Michael Whitener

QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 2

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

Philosophy

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

lived 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

QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 3

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

Philosophy

Introduction

Socrates once said, “The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance,”

(Araújo Batista, 2015). 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. Furthermore, he supported the

implementation of evidence-based learning in education so that students would support their

points with proof (Kelam & Vučić, 2019). 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 469 BC and died in 399 BC in Athens. He was born during the

golden age of Pericles in Greece. The period was characterized by massive economic growth

and Greek culture throve (Iordanou & Constantinou, 2015). 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 (Araújo Batista,

2015). 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 life and questioned every belief hold by

QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 4

Athenians. Despite living in a highly political society where every Athenian was hungry for

power, Socrates disengaged from administrative activities (Lampert, 2021). 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 399 BC 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 & 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. In today’s

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

(Lampert, 2021). 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 (Kelam & Vucic, 2019). 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 (Araújo Batista, 2015). In that effective when teaching. Hence, Socrates'

education philosophy was premised on first accepting ignorance then seeking knowledge.

QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 5

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 (Araújo Batista, 2015). 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. The philosopher was of the

view that learners should seek education to develop morals rather than fame in society

(Kelam & Vucic, 2019). 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 (Kelam & Vucic, 2019). 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 (Kelam & Vucic, 2019). The Socratic Method is used in the

teaching and learning process.

Perspective on Diversity

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 (Araújo Batista, 2015). Secondly, Socrates’ education

QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 6

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 (Lampert, 2021).

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

bit because intelligent people regard themselves as knowing everything.

QUESTIONING THEORY, SELF- KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 7

List of 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

Iordanou, K., & Constantinou, C. P. (2015). Supporting the use of evidence in argumentation

through practice in argumentation and reflection in the context of Socrates' learning

environment. Science Education, 99(2), 282-311. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21152

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

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

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Lampert, L. (2021). 4. Diotima’s Logos Guides Socrates to the Third Stage of His

Philosophic Education. In How Socrates Became Socrates (pp. 182-191). University

of Chicago Press.