Socratic Questioning and Irony in Psychotherapeutic Practices

Socratic questioning is employed in therapeutic interventions when the beliefs that clients express are critically evaluated using reason and logic. In this paper, that critical lens is turned back on the use of Socratic questioning to examine problems in its philosophical grounding. This critique is informed by our historic and cultural understanding of the life of Socrates. The therapeutic value of a 'not knowing' position is observed, and the question of whether this position is genuine or feigned is explored. Socratic questioning and irony are thereby considered in relation to agency and veiled attacks. A problematic move towards stoicism is identified, in which emotional expression might be devalued in the promotion of a passive and indifferent attitude towards life-experiences. It is observed that, as a form of phenomenological enquiry, Socratic questioning enables an attunement to the facticity of the client's life and interpersonal existence. An ironic edge is valued in maintaining emotive understandings which enable the client to exercise agency. A form of Socratic questioning is recommended, in which the client can take a stance in relation to where it is that they find themselves. Helping them to move into possible and preferred futures.

Automated summary

This paper critically examines the use of Socratic questioning in therapeutic interventions, questioning the authenticity of the 'not knowing' position and exploring its therapeutic value. The critique is informed by historical and cultural contexts, and raises questions about the genuineness of the approach.