Pronunciation: [mˌe͡ɪəjˈuːtɪk] (IPA) 
Maieutic is a word that comes from the Greek term "maieutikos", which means "of midwifery". The word "maieutic" refers to a method of teaching that involves the Socratic method of asking questions to help a student arrive at a conclusion. The spelling of "maieutic" can be tricky, as it includes the unique combination of "ae" which is pronounced as a single vowel sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of "maieutic" is /meɪˈjuːtɪk/.
Maieutic is an adjective that describes a specific method of inquiry or instruction employed to stimulate critical thinking and engage participants in a Socratic dialogue. Derived from the Greek term "maieutikos," meaning "of or pertaining to midwifery," maieutic references the art of assisting the birth of knowledge or truth. This philosophical concept, often attributed to Socrates, involves eliminating preconceived notions and encouraging individuals to reach their own conclusions through a series of probing questions and logical reasoning.
In practice, maieutic inquiry involves a skilled facilitator prompting others to question their assumptions, beliefs, and ideas by posing thought-provoking queries. This dialectical process aims to prompt individuals to critically examine their perspectives and arrive at deeper insights. Through the Socratic method, participants actively engage in reflective and intellectual discourse, raising and addressing questions, challenging perspectives, and collectively searching for truth.
Maieutic techniques emphasize active listening, respectful dialogue, and open-mindedness. It encourages individuals to think independently, explore various possibilities, and uncover underlying biases or faulty thinking. By employing questioning as a tool, maieutic fosters intellectual growth, self-awareness, and the development of analytical reasoning skills. It also promotes collaboration, as participants learn from one another's perspectives and jointly construct knowledge.
Ultimately, maieutic is a pedagogical approach that empowers individuals to tackle complex issues, explore different viewpoints, and arrive at well-informed conclusions through critical examination, intellectual curiosity, and self-reflection.
A rubber bag for dilatation of the cervix uteri; it is inserted over the end of a catheter and then inflated with gas or water; see cut.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "maieutic" comes from the Greek term "maieutikos", which derives from the Greek verb "maieuo". In the ancient Greek language, "maieuo" meant "to practice midwifery" or "to bring forth". The idea behind the term comes from the analogy of Socrates, who compared himself to a midwife, assisting in the birth of ideas or knowledge in his interlocutors. Thus, Socratic maieutic refers to the method of teaching or inquiry used by Socrates, resembling the way a midwife helps deliver a child. Today, "maieutic" is often used to describe a method of questioning or dialogue that aims to stimulate critical thinking and facilitate self-discovery.
