How to Think Like Socrates in 10 Questions

Why Think Like Socrates?

To think like Socrates is to think rigorously, clearly, and fearlessly. In an age of information overload, emotional manipulation, and ideological echo chambers, Socratic thinking is an antidote to confusion. Socrates was not just a philosopher—he was a method, a movement, and a mental habit. His famous dictum “The unexamined life is not worth living” challenges us to stop living on autopilot and start asking better questions.

This article will explore ten powerful Socratic questions you can use to train your mind, improve your conversations, and dig into the roots of what you believe. This isn’t just philosophy—it’s a way of living.

I. What Is the Socratic Method?

Before we dive into the questions, let’s understand the foundation. The Socratic Method is a form of cooperative dialogue where a person asks and answers questions to stimulate critical thinking and expose contradictions. Rather than offering assertions, Socrates would challenge assumptions by questioning their basis. He didn’t preach answers—he dismantled illusions.

Socratic thinking emphasizes:

Intellectual humility
Precision in language
Logical consistency
Deep self-awareness

Rather than persuading others, the goal is to reach greater clarity. This process works best when applied with curiosity, patience, and the willingness to revise one’s own beliefs.

II. The 10 Socratic Questions to Reshape Your Thinking

Let’s explore 10 questions that capture the essence of Socratic inquiry. Each one helps cut through bias, vague assumptions, and superficial thought. When used regularly, they cultivate a rigorous inner life.

1. What Do I Really Mean by That?

“If you would converse with me, define your terms.” — Socrates (attributed)

Many arguments stem from undefined concepts. What do we mean when we say “freedom,” “success,” or “love”? The first step in Socratic thinking is clarifying the language we use. Without precision, thinking becomes circular and fruitless.

2. How Do I Know That’s True?

Socrates often asked his interlocutors to justify their claims. Is it firsthand experience? Is it a conclusion drawn from sound reasoning? Or merely hearsay or bias?

This question tests the epistemology of your beliefs—your theory of how you know something. Socrates urged people to distinguish between belief and knowledge.

3. What Is the Evidence for This Belief?

Similar to #2 but more grounded in empirical justification. This is where critical thinking meets reality. Can you point to real examples or patterns that back up your position?

Modern thinkers like Karl Popper expanded this into falsifiability: if you can’t imagine what evidence would disprove your belief, you’re not reasoning—you’re rationalizing.

4. What Is the Opposite View—and Why Might Someone Hold It?

Socratic thinkers explore alternative positions. Asking this question prevents intellectual tribalism and helps build empathy. You don’t have to agree with the opposing view, but you should be able to understand it deeply enough to explain it fairly.

This is an exercise in dialectics: holding tension between differing perspectives to move closer to truth.

5. What Are the Assumptions Behind This Belief?

Every belief rests on hidden assumptions. Socratic questioning brings them into the light. For instance, the belief “people should always be honest” may rest on assumptions about human nature, social harmony, or divine law. Questioning these assumptions often reveals surprising weaknesses—or deeper truths.

6. What Would the Consequences Be If Everyone Believed This?

This moral question links belief to behavior and social impact. If an idea were universally adopted, what would happen? This is a powerful tool in ethical reasoning and one Socrates used often, especially in evaluating justice.

Example: If everyone believed that lying was acceptable, what would happen to trust and relationships?

7. Am I Being Consistent in My Thinking?

Socrates frequently exposed contradictions in people’s beliefs. We often hold conflicting ideas without noticing. Asking this question can reveal where you need to revise or refine your views.

For example, someone might support free speech but advocate censorship in certain cases. Is that consistent? Under what conditions?

8. Who Benefits If I Believe This?

This pragmatic question pulls philosophy into the real world. It asks you to analyze belief in terms of power, interest, and psychology. This doesn’t automatically make a belief false—but it can reveal potential bias.

Thinkers like Nietzsche and Foucault developed this into full critiques of ideology and knowledge.

9. What Is the Root of This Emotion or Reaction?

Socrates taught emotional self-awareness before it had a name. Are you angry because of injustice—or because someone challenged your identity? Exploring the roots of feelings can expose hidden insecurities, attachments, or memories influencing your thinking.

This is especially important in today’s hyper-reactive digital environment.

10. What Is the Wisest or Most Virtuous Thing I Can Do Next?

Finally, Socratic questioning returns us to action. It’s not just about dismantling opinions, but living wisely. This question helps align your thoughts with practical wisdom (phronesis).

It’s one thing to be clever. It’s another to live with integrity. Socratic inquiry is meant to shape a life worth living.

III. Socrates in Dialogue: Real-Life Examples

Let’s look at how Socratic questioning might play out in practical scenarios:

Example 1: Ethical Dilemma at Work Someone asks, “Should I tell my boss that my coworker is lying?”

Socratic Questions Applied:

What do I mean by “lying”? What exactly happened?
Do I know it’s true—or am I interpreting behavior?
What are the consequences of telling vs. staying silent?
What assumptions do I hold about loyalty, justice, or responsibility?

Example 2: Political Argument Someone says, “This policy is evil and oppressive.”

Socratic Questions Applied:

What do you mean by “evil”? What is your standard?
What’s the evidence?
Could someone see it differently? Why?
What assumptions are in your claim?
What would happen if everyone took your position?

In both examples, Socratic questioning leads to deeper insight and more nuanced judgment.

IV. Why Socratic Thinking Still Matters

Socrates lived 2,400 years ago, yet his thinking tools remain shockingly relevant:

In education, the Socratic Method is used in law schools and liberal arts curricula to promote analytical reasoning.
In therapy, Socratic questioning is central to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helping patients challenge distorted thoughts.
In business, good leadership often comes down to asking the right questions rather than giving quick answers.
In relationships, Socratic listening fosters empathy and resolution instead of argument.

Our age of quick takes, polarized debates, and intellectual laziness needs more Socratic thinkers.

V. How to Practice This Daily

To truly think like Socrates, practice these habits:

Journaling: Reflect daily using one or two of the ten questions
Dialogue: Engage in respectful debate with others, not to win but to understand
Reading: Explore Plato’s dialogues, especially The Apology, Euthyphro, and Meno
Silence: Socratic questioning requires time and quiet. Let thoughts ripen.

You don’t need to be a professional philosopher. Socrates wasn’t either. He was a curious citizen who thought rigorously about what it means to live a good life.

VI. Resources to Dive Deeper

Books:

The Apology by Plato (a first-hand account of Socrates’ trial)
Think by Simon Blackburn
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson (blends Stoicism and Socratic reasoning)

Podcasts & Videos:

Philosophize This! – Excellent episodes on Socratic method and Greek philosophy
School of Life – Brief, accessible intros to major philosophical ideas
Harvard Justice Course – Socratic-style lectures on morality and law

Courses:

“Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature” (Yale Open Courses)
“Critical Thinking” (Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy)

📌 TL;DR Summary

Thinking like Socrates involves asking precise, probing, and often uncomfortable questions.
10 Socratic questions help challenge assumptions, clarify meaning, and guide wise action.
Socratic thinking enhances critical thinking, ethics, dialogue, and self-awareness.
Practicing daily through journaling, reading, and dialogue develops this mindset.