Socrates’s concept of the good teacher is one that
A. knows everthing
B. try to teach, lecture and examine only his views
C. serves as a “midwife” for his students dormant intellect
D. None of the above
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. serves as a “midwife” for his students’ dormant intellect.
Socrates believed that teaching is not about delivering information to students or imposing his own views on them. Instead, he thought that knowledge is innate in every person and that the role of a teacher is to help bring that knowledge to the surface, much like a midwife assists in the birth of a child. According to Socrates, students already have the capacity for knowledge within them, but it needs to be “brought out” through careful questioning, dialogue, and reflection.
This approach is evident in Socratic teaching, where the teacher uses the method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, to guide students toward discovering truths for themselves. Socrates did not consider himself the ultimate source of knowledge. Rather, he encouraged students to think critically and self-reflectively about their beliefs, assumptions, and ideas. This method empowers students to become active participants in their learning process and to arrive at conclusions independently.
Socrates’s view of teaching was in stark contrast to the traditional view of the teacher as the all-knowing authority who simply imparts knowledge to passive students. He believed that true education required dialogue and a partnership between teacher and student. The teacher’s role was to ask thought-provoking questions, not to lecture or dictate. Through this dialectical process, students could come to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In summary, Socrates’s concept of a good teacher involves facilitating a process of intellectual discovery in students, rather than merely conveying information or opinions. This “midwifery” approach reflects his belief that knowledge is already present within each individual and that teaching is about guiding students to recognize and nurture their own intellectual potential.