Explanation: Socrates' method of philosophy is most commonly known as The Elenchus or the dialectical method. Knowledge gained from this method was considered by Aristotle to be 'dialectical knowledge'. Dialectical knowledge was said to form the boundary between the theoretical and the practical aspects of knowledge.

The method of the Elenchus was (and still is, I assume), the following:

1. Raise the most important question (a kind of 'theory' or later 'thesis').

2. Investigate the question thoroughly to make sure that the very best answer is reached, by raising further questions, answering each of them ("they being smaller questions, it will be easier to answer them" --- paraphrasing Plato)

3. At the conclusion of the inquiry, to declare if the problem is solved, and if so, in what way of definition.

4. To continue philosophizing.

However, in Athens, Socrates' particular application of the Elenchus earned him the reputation of a 'gadfly' --- someone who perhaps didn't have the best good in mind (although, according to Plato, Socrates was always a helpful person, and didn't ask for any payments).

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3 years ago