Maieutics
Maieutics (meɪˈjuːtɪks - from Greek maieutikos relating to midwifery) (functioning as singular — adj: maieutic or maieutical) is the method of eliciting knowledge by a series of questions and answers (Socratic dialogue). This method, later also called Socratic method, was introduced by Socrates in Plato's Theatetus.
Socrates says that his mother was a midwife and he considers is philosophical work as midwifery (Maieutics) "my midwifery has all the standard features, except that I practice it on men instead of women, and supervise the labour of their minds, not their bodies"[1].
This method is employed to bring out definitions implicit in the interlocutors' beliefs, or to help them further their understanding. Aristotle attributed to Socrates the discovery of the method of definition and induction, which he regarded as the essence of the scientific method.
References
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[[Category:Socratic dialogue]]