Socratic dialogue is "the conversation that results from the Socratic method, a discussion process during which a facilitator promotes independent, reflective, and critical thingking" (Koba & Tweed, 2025). It is form of cooperative, question-and-answer based conversation based in the Socratic Method, where a teacher engages learners through a series of thoughtful, open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking reflection, and clarification of ideas rather than simply providing answers. In this process, participants explore assumptions, reasons through concepts, and often build understanding collaboratively. The focus is on inquiry, critical reasoning, and reflective thinking rather than factual recall.

In classroom settings, Socratic Dialogue shifts the teacher's role from a source of information to a guide or facilitator of learning. Teachers pose open-ended questions that require students to think deeply, analyze relationships, justify reasoning, and consider multiple perspectives. The students are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs, listen actively to others, and construct meaning collaboratively.Rather than memorizing facts, learners engage in ongoing dialogue that fosters critical thinking, engagement reasoning, and self-directed inquiry.

This process is very effective in Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person subject. Where the students normally ask on their perspective. Example teachers ask questions like "Why do you think this is the case?" or "What do you think the reason behind?" to stimulate deeper learning.

The student respond with reasoning and connect ideas from their own thingking or from previous lesson. Follow-up questions push participants to justify, refine, or rethink their responses. Dialogue may occur between the teacher and students, promoting active participation and deeper understanding.

Examples of Socratic Dialogue in Teaching and Learning

A law instructor asks a student to summarize the facts of a case and explain wether they agree with the court's decision. The instructor then alters some details and asks how this changes the student's thinking, prompting examination of assumptions and reasoning behin different perspective. In this process Socratic dialogue helps students analyze legal reasoning.

Reference List
KnowAtom. (2025). 3 Socratic dialogue formats for active student participation. https://www.knowatom.com/teaching-phenomena/how-to-get-students-to-participate-in-socratic-dialogue

Saint Leo University. (2025). The Socratic method of teaching: What it is, its benefits, and examples. https://www.saintleo.edu/about/stories/blog/socratic-method-teaching-what-it-its-benefits-and-examples

ThoughtCo. (2025). Socratic dialogue definition and examples. https://www.thoughtco.com/socratic-dialogue-argumentation-1691972