Socratic irony

Socratic irony is a rhetorical strategy used by the philosopher Socrates, where he pretended to be ignorant or less knowledgeable than others to encourage them to express their ideas fully. By doing so, he sought to reveal inconsistencies or gaps in their reasoning, fostering critical thinking and dialogue. This method helps guide conversations toward greater understanding without directly confronting or intimidating the other person, creating an environment where genuine learning and self-examination can occur.