Original: The Socratic method ( or Method of Elenchus or Socratic Debate ) , named after the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates , is a form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas .
Simplified: The exact nature of the elenchus is subject to a great deal of debate , in particular concerning whether it is a positive method , leading to knowledge , or a negative method used solely to refute false claims to knowledge .