Socratic Method Trolls use the Socratic Method in a disingenuous manner to try and win arguments, without ever having to make an argument themselves. SJW's, Libertarians and "Anarcho" Capitalists have all adopted Socratic Method Trolling to combat critics.
Socratic Method Trolls, when faced with an argument attacking their beliefs, rather than making a counter argument, will ask a (usually loaded) Socratic question. They are not seeking to gain understanding, as the Socratic Method is designed to do, they are looking for a specific response, that they think will prove their opponents argument wrong. If they don't get the desired response, they'll continue Socratic Method Trolling until they find something they can use to claim they've won. A logical fallacy, an inconsistency, a definition they disagree with, anything. Once they've found something, they'll use it to try and dismiss everything their opponent said.
Socratic Method Trolls, when faced with an argument attacking their beliefs, rather than making a counter argument, will ask a (usually loaded) Socratic question. They are not seeking to gain understanding, as the Socratic Method is designed to do, they are looking for a specific response, that they think will prove their opponents argument wrong. If they don't get the desired response, they'll continue Socratic Method Trolling until they find something they can use to claim they've won. A logical fallacy, an inconsistency, a definition they disagree with, anything. Once they've found something, they'll use it to try and dismiss everything their opponent said.
Ancap: 'Where does the state get its authority?'
Ancap critic: 'You should stop Socratic Method Trolling and learn how to form an argument.'
Ancap critic: 'You should stop Socratic Method Trolling and learn how to form an argument.'
by twoambien July 2, 2016