The Socrates Elenchus was Socrates' way of questioning a proposition. His method is tested and explained in Plato's Euthyphro and Meno. Socrates' method is a series of steps intended to test or challenge a claim. The scientific method is a modern method used to test a theory. Socrates' Elenchus and the scientific method have similarities and differences. Socrates' method, however, is very similar to the scientific method; Socrates' method seems less effective than the scientific method. Socrates has a very thorough method and the answer to the initial question proposed must meet certain criteria. Although Socratic elenchus was initially used by Socrates to question or “obtain a statement about the nature or essence of an important virtue” (Shields, 37). Socrates' method can still be used today, but for many reasons. The scientific method and Socratic elenchus are a series of questions or steps used to attempt to find an answer. Socrates was a man who claimed to know nothing and therefore left no writings behind. However, Plato documented detailed accounts of Socrates using Socratic elenchus in Meno and Euthyphro. Meno claimed to teach virtue and charged fees for his teachings. (Shields, 39). Socrates believed that in order to be able to teach what virtue is, Meno must therefore know what virtue is. (Meno, Plato, 89b-e) Socrates claimed to be ignorant and claimed to be in search of knowledge. Therefore, since Meno claimed to know what virtue is, Socrates saw this as a perfect scenario to pose his series of questions. For Meno to meet Socrates' criteria and give a valid answer about what virtue is, he must meet two requirements...... middle of paper ...... change. Works CitiedCohen, S. Marc. “Apologies, Euthyphro, Meno.” Readings of ancient Greek philosophy from Thales to Aristotle. 4th ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub., 2011. 135-178, 241-266. Print.Dye, John. “Socratic method and scientific method.” Socratic method and scientific method. Northern Illinois University, nd Web. March 10, 2014. .Kishlansky, Mark A.. “Plato, the Excuses.” Sources of World History: Readings for World Civilization. 5th ed. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. 52. Print.Shields, Christopher John. “Socrates.” Ancient philosophy: a contemporary introduction. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2011. 35-57. Print."Steps of the Scientific Method." Steps of the scientific method. Np, and Web. March 10. 2014. .