Socrates irony is one of the most subtle forms of deception. It is a deceptive method of obtaining information from a person that can be used against him or her over time. This type of confusion is common in courtrooms but can apply to any type of verbal argument.
Socrates’ favorite research mode, it is important to note that in almost all of Socrates’ written accounts are negotiations, Socrates has never taught his beliefs in one way or another. This supports the notion that Socrates has no knowledge of his own priorities. His method of questioning involves pointing out that the person he is talking to thinks he knows, and then gradually dispels those claims of knowledge. The Apology, however, is presented almost exclusively in the form of a monologue, for Socrates does not discuss and disprove any particular claim as he sets out a way to end this. It is, therefore, the most important explanation in some conversations.
For Socrates, wisdom and virtue are closely linked, so his efforts work to the betterment of society as a whole.
Examples of Socratic Irony
Let us work on few examples on Socratic irony on the ways and methods to extract information:
- The philosopher, according to Socrates, is engaged in activities of the highest moral value, and in order to extract what is discussed the philosopher engage activity where he judges the intelligence of contenders what they understood.
- A lawyer pressing a witness into admitting something that will help their case. To reveal more facts pertaining to the case for clear submission.
- Your parents asking you questions about the weekend when they had gone, knowing you held a party in their absence. To reveal the facts about the activities held in past week which probably your parents are not aware.
- Socratic irony in comedy: In this classic moment from The Office, Michael knows that Dwight lied about going to the dentist. When Dwight returns, Michael busts out a rather ineffectual form of Socratic irony to try and catch him in his lie.
- Irony for suspense: There is suspense inside every example of dramatic irony. We know the truth, and it’s only a matter of time before the characters learn the same truth. Horror films and thrillers use this suspense all the time and to significant effect.
- A maid stole gold bangles from cupboard and denied and when informed that her activities are all captured in cctv and showed fake prints as evidence (which were not actuals), just to provoke and threaten on the consequences.