[jmacusa]

I believe it was called the philosophy of Stoicism. The Stoics of Ancient Greece. "A man will never learn what he thinks he already knows''.- Epictetus.

[Dr. Sivana]

Socrates pre-existed the Stoics. Plato’s writings (Plato was a student of Socrates) are considered by many to be a foundation of all Philosophy.

[nopardons]

No, Socrates was NOT a Stoic!

His method of teaching ( very new at that time ), was a question and answer method.

His method of teaching was once very popular in early days of this nation and only began to become less used in the middle of the 20th century, which is a shame.

Learning my rote has its place ( memorizing the times table, the chemical chart, the dates of important battles and wars ); however, none of that make a student THINK! The Socratic method is the best way for a student to think critically. The student must critically look at what he or she "thinks" ( i.e. WHY, WHAT BACKS UP THAT OPINION, WHAT PROOF IS THERE) as well as to view the topic with an open mind. Also the student must be able to think on his/her feet.