Cross Examination

In the history of Western philosophy, written works have been the most common means by which individual philosophers have expressed their ideas. Socrates is unusual in that his method of teaching is entirely oral. Furthermore, he teaches by asking (inquiry), not by telling (lecture). Various individuals (called interlocutors) participate in a lively dialogue aimed at discovering the truth by acquiring good definitions of the subject at hand (for example, "virtue", "justice", "courage", and "holiness"). Although Socrates ordinarily is directing the discussion, like the other participants, he also is seeking the truth about the matter at hand.