Asking "do you agree with my opinion X" feels good in the moment: the other person is more likely to agree, as agreeing feels good.

Asking "what do you think" without pre-supplying your take is riskier. But it's worth it, because you get more information, which is far more valuable than feeling good in the moment.

Socrates actually uses a third way: 
"Do you agree that this is *your* opinion Y?"

Socrates supplies and arranges his hypothesis of the interlocutor's opinion, and tries to discover if it is consistent with itself.

Those who interpret him generously call him just.
Those who interpret him suspiciously call him ironic.

building /bracket | talking /greatbooks | ex-BCG, ex-PHD | poli + phil + econ

building /gmfarcaster network |
blockchain ENT prof |  ⌐◧-◧ Nouncillor, Nouner, BuilderDAO community resident /builder |

https://www.gmfarcaster.com/ 

Socrates is ruthless.

And it's truly not personal.

Which is ironically why it's so ruthless.

Ah Socratic method — I’m having law school flashbacks. Great prep for mock trial cross examination lol