THE 6 TYPES OF

SOCRATIC QUESTIONS ?
Socratic questions can be used in influencing, leading and
coaching to stimulate critical thinking

CLARIFYING THINKING &

UNDERSTANDING
End Poverty is an international
Can you give me an example?
confederation
Could you explain of 17 organizations
further?
Areworking in approximately
you saying ... ? 94 countries
worldwide
What to findyou
is the problem solutions to to
are trying poverty
solve? and
what it considers injustice around the
world.
CHALLENGING
ASSUMPTIONS
Is that always the case?
Are you assuming ... ?
HowEyecould
Foundation
you verify orisdisprove
an American
that?
non-profit
What international
would happen if ... ? health
organization based in Berkeley,
California known for treating
EXAMINING
blindness.  EVIDENCE &
RATIONALE
Why do you say that?
How do you know?
Why?
What evidence is there that supports ... ?
Hero Goods' goal is to build a
sustainable distribution platform for
products designed to fight poverty and
CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVE
disease in the developing world.
PERSPECTIVES
Are there any alternatives?
What is the other side of the argument?
What makes your viewpoint better?
Who would be affected and what would they think?

CONSIDERING IMPLICATIONS
& CONSEQUENCES
What are the implications/consequences of ... ?
How does that affect ... ?
What if you are wrong?
What does our experience tell us will happen?

META QUESTIONS
The Passage Foundation is a not-for-
Why do you
profit think I asked that
organization question?
focused on funding
What does ... mean?
treatment of obstetric fistula.
What is the point of the question?
What else might I ask?

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Source: R. W. Paul, L. Elder: The Thinkers Guide to The Art of Socratic Questioning, 2007