The Socratic method is a form of argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions. It is named after the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who used this method to get to the foundations of his students and colleagues views by asking continual questions until a contradiction was exposed, thus proving the fallacy of the initial assumption. The Socratic method involves a shared dialogue between teacher and students, instigated by the continual probing questions of the teacher, in a concerted effort to explore the underlying beliefs that shape the students views and opinions.

Here are some key features of the Socratic method:

• It is a dialectical method of questioning that aims to demonstrate ones ignorance and search for general commonly held truths that shape thought.
• It encourages students to explore their thoughts and beliefs, also considering how these thoughts and beliefs may contribute to their assumptions about the topic at hand.
• It fosters critical thinking, enabling students to reach their own conclusions based on self-analysis of the information versus just accepting what they are told.
• It uses questions to examine the values, principles, and beliefs of students, and aims to reveal the motivations and assumptions upon which students lead their lives.

The Socratic method is not a means of teaching facts or providing a neat framework where the subject matter is messy. Instead, it is better used to demonstrate complexity, difficulty, and uncertainty. The Socratic method is an important part of modern law teaching, as it provides all students greater confidence about talking to large groups, allows them to develop the ability to argue forcefully and persuasively, and helps them become better lawyers.