# Socratic Questioning ### My Version 1. What exactly do I think? Why do I think this? 2. What assumptions am I making? How do I know this is true? What if I thought the opposite? 3. What is my evidence? 4. What might others think? How do I know I am correct? 5. What if I am wrong? What are the consequences if I am? 6. Why did I think my original thought? What can I learn from the reasoning process? ### Overview Socratic questioning can be used to establish first principles through stringent analysis. This a disciplined questioning process, used to establish truths, reveal underlying assumptions, and separate knowledge from ignorance. The key distinction between Socratic questioning and normal discussions is that the former seeks to draw out first principles in a systematic manner. Socratic questioning generally follows this process: 1. **Clarifying your thinking and explaining the origins of your ideas** (Why do I think this? What exactly do I think?) 2. **Challenging assumptions** (How do I know this is true? What if I thought the opposite?) 3. **Looking for evidence** (How can I back this up? What are the sources?) 4. **Considering alternative perspectives** (What might others think? How do I know I am correct?) 5. **Examining consequences and implications** (What if I am wrong? What are the consequences if I am?) 6. **Questioning the original questions** (Why did I think that? Was I correct? What conclusions can I draw from the reasoning process?) This process stops you from relying on your gut and limits strong emotional responses. This process helps you build something that lasts. --- Date: 20231009 Links to: Tags: References: * [First Principles: The Building Blocks of True Knowledge](https://fs.blog/first-principles/)