Contrasting Approach on the Socratic Questioning and the Synectic Problem Solving Theories - Coursework Example

University of Canberra Faculty of Business & Government Unit Name: Unit Number: ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET Surname: Other Names Student Number: Topic: Assessment 2 SOCRATIC QUESTIONING AND SYNECTICS Lecturer/Tutor’s Name: Diane Phillips Tutorial (Day/Time): Word Count: 2165 words Date Submitted: Introduction Individuals need problem solving structures that are relevant and applicable in their situations. Although literature has a large pool of problem solving theories and models, not all are applicable to respective individuals’ specific situations. As such, there is a need o evaluate these existing theories and models to establish their applicability. In the theories review, an evaluation of their key distinguishing features, applicability situations as well as merits are necessary. This essay develops a comparison and contrasting approach on the Socratic questioning and the synectic problem solving theories. As such, it discusses each theory individually but finally offers a list of comparison and contrast of the two as per the essay discussion. The essay conclusion summarizes the discussion key findings highlighting areas in which the two problem solving theories compare and contrast. Discussion The Socratic Method is a problem solving process that applies the use of questions to arouse the creativity of the brain. The Greek philosopher, Socrates, who lived between 470 and 399 B.C came up with the theory of using questions to turn the attention of the Greeks to ethics and virtue (Vlastos, 1991). According to the theory, answering questions with questions gives students the ability to expand their thinking capabilities. This is because, questions allow the students to examine the possibilities and incorporate their own opinions on the subject matter. As opposed to the traditional system where students are given answers to the questions, the Socratic Method works more like a brainstorming session whereby even the right answers are challenged with varying opinions from the participants of a discussion. This way, a pool of knowledge is brought together in a manner that fosters creativity in a great way. For this reason, it is appropriate to claim that the Socratic method of solving problems allows room for creativity as it brings in new belief while discarding the old. Socrates, the Greek philosopher made use of questions to arouse the creativity of the Greeks during his times and the results of his methods are there for all to see. For instance, in the learning institutions, it is a common practice to look at those students who fail to ask questions as failures. This is because, as far as learning is concerned, asking questions is an indication that the subject has been duly understood (Cox & Dayan, 2005). One aspect of questions that stands out is the ability to test whether one can recall knowledge. Those people that are in a position to ask questions appropriately are considered to be higher thinkers than those that are unable to do so. This is primarily because of the fact that not only do questions arouse the creative minds of people, but also engage all the parts of their brains with the aim of seeking solutions to confronting issues. The relationship between questions and thinking is demonstrated by the Socratic method of problem solving. For instance, it is a common phenomenon in verbal conversations to find that the participants take a significant amount of time to ponder over what to say in response to the questions arising in the conversation (MEHRABIAN, 1967). This is a sure way of working out the brain as it engages the various thinking capabilities of the brain. This differs greatly with the traditional methods of problem solving used in the classroom scenario, that is, the issuing of direct answers to the questions asked. These traditional methods have a way of limiting the thinking of the brain since they do not allow for alternative approaches to the solving of problems. As it were, they can only be effective in the situation where the problems at hand are recurrent. Otherwise, these methods are rendered ineffective when used to solve new and emerging problems that require high levels of creativity and diverse mindsets. The diversity of mindsets is effected by the fact that questions are answered with questions and not direct answers, which limit the scope of the thinker in terms of creativity (Hartman, 2008). The other very important aspect of Socratic questions and thinking is the ability to incorporate arguments in the process of solving problems. An argument is a claim that is yet to be proved by research and reasoning. In this case, reasoning is an assertion that is based on positive and well known facts about a phenomenon. It is the exact opposite of logic in the sense that whereas reasoning is based on assertions, logic is a fact that has already been proved by research and other foundational findings. In this case, it is important to note that not only does reasoning and logic encourage creativity but also it makes it easy and efficient to apply the known in solving the unknown problems (Kifer & Lozinskii, 1992). It is also of high importance to bear in mind the fact that while creative thinking is a widely acclaimed quality, it is intensive and involving based on the fact that every assertion has got to be backed by sufficient research findings. In this regard, the number of assertions ought to correspond with the evidence provided by the one tabling the argument. As far as arguments are concerned, creativity is effected a claim is supported by sufficient logic, research and reasoning. This is to say that creativity and argument are in congruence provided their relationship is based on a common goal, which is solving problems (Sawyer, John-Steiner, Moran, Sternberg, Feldman, Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2003). A practical example would be the scenario of an interview whereby the company is in the process of recruiting new members of staff. In this case, the panel of interviewers is against the new recruits and both have a chance of asking the other question. The questions addressed to the panel by the interviewee are meant to seek clarifications whereas those addressed to the interviewee are for the company to ensure that it is hiring the right skills and expertise. It is important to note that the questions from both ends ought to be as less rigid as possible so as to give the respondent the allowance to be creative in the answering. This way, the company will be making use of Socratic questions to avoid making the mistake of hiring less qualified employees. The other practical example of how Socratic questions are used to solve problems and enhance creativity is during organizational internal conflicts. The absence of consensus in organizations is brought about by the misunderstanding between the management and the workers. This problem can be solved through boardroom meetings where the management is able to sieve out disgruntled workers through tactful questions. The other method of solving problems that promotes creativity is Synectics. This is where analogical and metaphorical comparisons are utilized in the problem solving process. It goes without saying that this is one of the most effective methods in the problem solving process, especially when it comes to incorporating creativity . The business sector is on that stands to realize massive gains in the use of synectics as an approach. This is based on the fact that businesses face enormous uncertainties. In addition, the dynamic nature of business challenges call for nothing short of creativity in the tackling of the diverse problems. Nothing offers more creativity than the synectics method of problem solving. As it is widely known, the best way o display expertise in whatever field is the ability to transfer knowledge (Argote, 2012). This ability to transfer knowledge is made possible by the creativity that is fostered by the synectics approach to problem solving. The synectics method uses metaphorical thinking to express the unknown in such a way that is easy for one to understand despite the fact that he or she is not familiar with it. In other words, synectics makes use of the known phenomena to explain the unknown. This method brings about the aspect of creativity in the sense that people are allowed to engage their inner visual power in order to perceive the invisible. It brings together the dreamer and the reasoner sides of the brain together in a manner that makes both works together to get to a solution. In essence, it is important to note that as much as the synectics approach is a resourceful method of problem solving, it also involves a lot and calls for intensive research to prove the assertions brought forward. The synectics method believes in the notion that there is always the possibility of relating two things no matter how different they are from one another. This belief is key when it comes to fostering the creativity of the brain (Roukes, 1988). The other aspect of the synectics method of solving problems is the use of analogies. In this case, the thinker links the known with the unknown in a manner that the other party is familiar or conversant with. There are several types of the synectics methods, which are personal, direct, and symbolic and fantasy synectics. Personal synectics is when the one describing an unknown situation incorporates personal feelings and imaginations in explaining to the other person. It is based on the assertion that people are able to share into the sentiments of others at a personal level. This is because of the fact that since every person, in one way or another has been through a situation that could be equated to an unknown situation. This gives room for personal synectics to come in as a tool for solving problems. In the business setting, it is common to relate the past with the present, especially when it comes to making crucial financial decisions of the company (Dotan & Ravid, 1985). In this case, the company is forced to relate the known with the unknown by using metaphorical comparisons. These analogies also go a long way in helping the business determine the next move as far as competition, sales and marketing strategies are concerned. It of paramount importance to note that the value of creativity is based dependent on the ability to relate the known with the unknown considering the uncertainty that is prevalent in the business sector (Ray & Myers, 1986). The effectiveness of this method is measured by the extent to which the problem at hand has been solved. Synectics can go a long way in solving the many problems that are encountered in an organization on a daily basis such as ineffective communication between the management and the workers, lack of innovation and poor problem solving skills. This is because synectics is very easily compatible with technology especially since it uses the unknown to compare with the known in a manner that brings understanding even to the things that are completely strange. This shows that no matter how complicated a problem is, there is always a way out of the predicament. It only depends on the liberty with which one is ready to embrace creativity (Shallcross, 1973). The options are limitless ranging from argument thinking all the way to persuasion thinking, all of which are capable of enhancing the creativity of those engaging them. In the business environment, it is important to embrace the spirit of creativity through the use of Socratic questions and synectics methods of problem solving. This way, it would be easy and convenient for businesses to navigate through the various day to day problems. The 21st century has seen small and medium sized enterprises experiencing growth at a tremendous rate. However, a good number of the SMEs have received a fair share of the other side of the coin, which is unfair competition. This competition has seen companies opting out of their respective industries primarily because they cannot bear the weight of stiff competition exerted by the established companies. However, to some, this has been a window of opportunity to implement innovation and creativity, which has seen them applying the synectics method of solving problems. As it was mentioned earlier, the metaphorical representation of the unknown gives much room for the integration of technology in the solving of problems. Some of the problems such as industrial espionage, technical accidents at the workplace, poor communication between the management and the workers and the shortage of resources can be solved effectively through the implementation of synectics method. Conclusion In summary this essay concludes that both the Socratic questioning and the synectics problem solving approaches have their wide perception scope as a major similarity. In this case, both approaches seek out at developing diverse solutions alternatives prior to settling and selecting one among them. As such, both are objective and posses a wide resolution scope. However, the essay establishes that the two theories have divergences. On one hand, the Socratic questioning theory seeks to develop resolutions through answering questions with questions as a process of brainstorming and facilitating creativity. On the other hand, the synectics problem solving approach applies analogies where they logically link the known with the unknown. Therefore, while one applies brainstorming to enhance creativity, the other one applies logical analogy to facilitate internal critical thinking. References Argote, L. (2012). Organizational learning: Creating, retaining and transferring knowledge. Springer. Cox, G., & Dayan, Z. (2005). Cox review of creativity in business: building on the UK's strengths. TSO. Dotan, A., & Ravid, S. A. (1985). On the interaction of real and financial decisions of the firm under uncertainty. The Journal of Finance, 40(2), 501-517. Hartman, E. M. (2008). 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