Parallels and Paradoxes: Socratic and Guru Nanak’s Approaches to Learning

By Dr. Devinder Pal Singh | Opinion |

The Socratic approach to learning and Guru Nanak’s educational philosophy offer profound insights into the processes of acquiring knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Both emphasize questioning, self-reflection, and the pursuit of truth but operate within distinct cultural and philosophical frameworks. Central to their methods is the transformative power of dialogue and introspection, where learners are guided toward self-awareness and deeper understanding. Parallels include their focus on self-realization, ethical learning, and the belief that true knowledge leads to personal and spiritual growth. However, paradoxes emerge: Socrates prioritizes human reason and a collaborative teacher-student dynamic, while Guru Nanak emphasizes divine revelation and the Guru’s role as a spiritual guide. Socratic irony (a pedagogical tool) contrasts with Guru Nanak’s direct and authoritative teachings. Together, these approaches provide a rich dialogue on the interplay of reason, faith, and self-discovery, shaping educational paradigms and inspiring seekers across cultural and historical contexts.

Introduction

Education has long been regarded as the cornerstone of human development, not merely as a means of acquiring knowledge but as a transformative process leading to wisdom and self-realization. Among the many philosophies of learning that have shaped educational thought, the Socratic method and Guru Nanak’s teachings stand out for their profound depth and enduring influence. These two approaches, while originating in vastly different cultural and philosophical contexts, share remarkable parallels yet also reveal intriguing paradoxes.

The Socratic method, rooted in ancient Greece, emphasizes critical inquiry through dialogue and questioning, aiming to expose ignorance and guide learners toward greater clarity and understanding. Socrates, often considered the father of Western philosophy, believed in the power of reason and introspection to uncover universal truths [1-6]. In contrast, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, articulated a spiritual philosophy that integrates questioning and reflection with divine revelation, emphasizing the discovery of inner wisdom and unity with the Divine [7-15].

By examining the parallels and paradoxes between these two approaches, this discussion seeks to illuminate their shared emphasis on self-awareness, ethical growth, and transformative learning. It also explores their unique perspectives on the role of reason, divine guidance, and the teacher-student dynamic. Together, they offer a rich dialogue on the interplay of reason, faith, and self-discovery.

Parallels in the Approaches

1. Learning through Dialogue and Questioning

One key parallel between the Socratic method and Guru Nanak’s approach is the emphasis on questioning as a means of learning. In the Socratic method, questions probe deeper into ideas, exposing contradictions and guiding the learner toward clarity. This approach, known as “elenchus” or “Socratic questioning,” does not provide direct answers but encourages students to explore their own understanding and recognize their ignorance before pursuing deeper knowledge.

Similarly, Guru Nanak’s approach to learning is rooted in inquiry and dialogue. He engaged in conversations with people of various faiths and backgrounds, asking questions that challenged established norms, practices, and beliefs. His teachings, as recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib [16], often come in the form of poetic dialogues between the seeker and the Divine, or between Guru Nanak and other spiritual figures. These dialogues serve as a means of exposing ignorance, much like the Socratic method, and encourage the seeker to contemplate and reflect on the nature of truth, God, and the self.

Both Socrates and Guru Nanak used questioning to guide their followers toward self-awareness. For Socrates, the ultimate goal was to attain wisdom by recognizing one’s ignorance, famously stating, “I know that I know nothing” [17]. Guru Nanak similarly emphasizes humility and the limitations of human knowledge, urging individuals to seek divine wisdom through introspection, questioning, and spiritual practice [7, 13].

2. Emphasis on Self-Realization and Inner Wisdom

A fundamental parallel between the Socratic and Guru Nanak’s approaches is the focus on self-realization. Socrates believed that true knowledge comes from within, and education is not about the transmission of information but about helping individuals draw out the knowledge that already exists within them. This idea is encapsulated in his theory of anamnesis, or the notion that learning is a process of recollecting truths that the soul already knows.

Guru Nanak’s teachings similarly emphasize the importance of inner wisdom and self-realization. He advocated for the understanding that God, or the ultimate truth, resides within each person. In one of his most famous verses, he says [16], 

ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

The Divine Light is present in all; that Light is the same in everyone. By its illumination, everything is illuminated. (M. 1, SGGS, p. 663)

This verse expresses a fundamental Sikh belief: the divine essence (Jot) exists within all living beings. Understanding that we carry divine light within encourages self-awareness and spiritual growth. So, like Socrates, Guru Nanak saw the path to true knowledge as an inward journey, where the learner turns their attention away from worldly distractions and focuses on discovering the divine presence within themselves.

In both systems, learning is viewed as a transformative process of uncovering hidden truths, rather than merely acquiring facts or mastering external knowledge. This connection highlights their shared belief in the potential for personal and spiritual growth through education, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, contemplation, and the pursuit of wisdom.

3. Moral and Ethical Learning

Both Socrates and Guru Nanak viewed education as closely linked to moral and ethical development. For Socrates, education was inseparable from the pursuit of virtue, as he believed that knowledge of the good naturally led to virtuous behaviour. His method of questioning is often aimed at revealing inconsistencies in ethical reasoning, pushing individuals to examine their values and actions critically [1]. He saw learning as a process of aligning one’s actions with moral truth, which could only be achieved through continuous questioning and self-examination.

Guru Nanak’s teachings also emphasize the inseparability of learning and morality. In his view, education was not simply about intellectual achievement but about cultivating virtues like humility, compassion, and truthfulness [7]. He strongly opposed empty ritualism and superstition, advocating instead for an ethical life rooted in selflessness and devotion to God. In many of his hymns, Guru Nanak emphasizes that authentic learning comes from living a righteous life and realizing one’s unity with the Divine. This holistic approach to education, combining intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions, aligns closely with Socratic principles.

Paradoxes in the Approaches

While there are significant parallels between Socratic and Guru Nanak’s approaches to learning, there are also paradoxes that highlight their distinct philosophical and cultural contexts.

1. The Role of the Teacher and Authority

A notable paradox arises when examining the role of the teacher in both systems. Socrates famously disavowed the role of a traditional teacher, often describing himself as a “midwife” of ideas rather than someone who imparts knowledge [1-2]. He believed that truth cannot be taught in a conventional sense but must be discovered by the learner through questioning. This perspective contrasts with the typical view of a teacher as an authority figure who passes down knowledge to students. Socratic learning, therefore, is more of a collaborative effort where the teacher facilitates the student’s journey of discovery.

In contrast, Guru Nanak occupies the role of a spiritual teacher or guru in a more traditional sense. While he, too, encouraged questioning and self-realization, he positioned himself as a guide who could impart divine wisdom [14]. In Sikhism, the Guru is seen as a vehicle for God’s grace and truth, someone who can help the seeker navigate the complexities of life and attain spiritual enlightenment. The Guru-disciple relationship is one of reverence and trust, with the disciple relying on the Guru for spiritual guidance [7-9].

The paradox here lies in the contrasting views on authority. While Socrates minimizes the teacher’s authority, Guru Nanak accepts the Guru’s role as a necessary and benevolent source of divine knowledge. For Socrates, learning is an internal process sparked by self-discovery, whereas Guru Nanak emphasizes the importance of divine grace transmitted through the Guru to lead individuals toward ultimate truth.

2. Divine Revelation versus Human Reason

Another paradox is the source of ultimate knowledge in both traditions. Socrates believed in the power of human reason to uncover truth. His method relied on rational inquiry and dialectic to strip away false beliefs and arrive at a more accurate understanding [1-2]. Even though he acknowledged the limits of human knowledge, Socratic education is firmly grounded in the capacity of reason to explore moral and philosophical questions.

While Guru Nanak also valued reason and reflection, he placed a much greater emphasis on divine revelation. He taught that human intellect alone is insufficient to grasp the ultimate truth, which can only be revealed through divine grace (Nadar). While rational inquiry can guide individuals toward a deeper understanding of life, it is ultimately God’s revelation that allows them to experience the fullness of truth. In the Sikh tradition, it is through meditative practice and devotion that one comes into harmony with the divine will (hukam) [10, 13].

This paradox centers on the source of knowledge: for Socrates, human reason is the primary tool for gaining wisdom, while for Guru Nanak, divine revelation plays an essential role in transcending the limitations of human understanding.

3. The Socratic Irony and the Guru’s Directness

A subtle yet profound paradox exists in the communication style used by Socrates and Guru Nanak. Socrates often used irony as a pedagogical tool, pretending ignorance to draw out the knowledge and reasoning of his interlocutors [18]. This technique, known as Socratic irony, allows him to expose contradictions in others’ thinking without directly stating his own position. His approach is indirect, encouraging others to arrive at their own conclusions through dialogue.

Guru Nanak’s communication, on the other hand, tends to be more direct. His hymns and teachings are clear, purposeful, and authoritative [13]. While he encourages self-reflection and dialogue, he does not employ the same kind of ironic detachment that Socrates does. Instead, Guru Nanak speaks with conviction, offering guidance on how to live a life aligned with divine principles.

This contrast illustrates a paradox between Socratic ambiguity and Guru Nanak’s straightforwardness. While Socrates hides behind irony to stimulate critical thinking, Guru Nanak’s teachings come from a place of spiritual certainty, reflecting his role as a divinely inspired guide.

Conclusion

The philosophies of Socrates and Guru Nanak represent profound approaches to learning that transcend the mere acquisition of knowledge, focusing instead on personal transformation, ethical development, and the pursuit of deeper truths. Their shared emphasis on questioning, dialogue, and self-awareness reveals significant parallels, demonstrating a universal recognition of education as a journey toward wisdom and understanding. Both philosophies view learning as a process that transforms not only the intellect but also the moral and spiritual dimensions of the individual.

At the same time, the paradoxes within their approaches highlight the richness of their distinct cultural and philosophical contexts. Socrates, grounded in rational inquiry, relies on human reason as the primary tool for uncovering truth and wisdom, while Guru Nanak, steeped in spiritual devotion, emphasizes divine grace as essential to transcending human limitations. Socrates minimizes the role of the teacher, promoting collaborative discovery, whereas Guru Nanak embraces the Guru’s role as a guide to divine knowledge.

These differences underscore the diverse pathways to understanding and self-realization. Together, the Socratic and Guru Nanak’s approaches enrich our comprehension of education as a multidimensional process. By exploring their teachings, modern educators and learners can draw inspiration to integrate reason, faith, and self-reflection into their own quests for truth.

References

1. Dillon, Matthew. (2006). Socrates and Philosophy in the Dialogues of Plato. Cambridge University Press.
2. Vlastos, Gregory. (1991). Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher. Cornell University Press.
3. Scott, Dominic. (2006). Plato’s Meno. Cambridge University Press.
4. McCabe, Mary Margaret. (2000). Plato and His Predecessors: The Dramatisation of Reason. Cambridge University Press.
5. Plato. (1888). The Republic. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Oxford University Press. 
6. Plato. The Apology. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Oxford University Press, 1891.
7. Singh, Devinder Pal (2024, May 27). Guru Nanak’s Educational Philosophy. SikhNet.  USA. https://www.sikhnet.com/news/guru-nanaks-educational-philosophy
8. Kaur, Hardeep. (2016). Educational Philosophy of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. International Journal of Physical Education, Health and Social Science. 5(1 & 2). 1-3.
9. Sodhi, T. S. (1993). Educational Philosophy of Guru Nanak. Bawa Publications. Patiala. Punjab. India.
10. Singh, Harbans. (1974). Educational Philosophy of Guru Nanak. The Spokesman. Calcutta. India. 
11. Singh, Devinder Pal. (2022). Guru Nanak: A Harbinger of Modern Scientific Thought. Punjab Dey Rang, DSRCF, Lahore, PK 16 (4). 6-12. 
12. Khan, Abdul Majid. (1974). Guru Nanak and Modern Education. Punjab Journal of Education. Dept. of Education.Punjab. Chandigarh. (1974).
13. Kaur, Amrit. (1969). Educational Philosophy of Guru Nanak, M. Phl. Dissertation. Punjab University, Chandigarh. India. 
14. Singh, Pritam. (1970). Guru Nanak’s Art of Teaching. The Sikh Review. Kolkata. India.  
15. Kumar, Sonu., Devi, Sunita. (2023). An Extensive Survey of Educational Philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and its Relevance in Modern Times. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews. 10 (3). 325-330. 
16.  Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), (1983) (Reprint), S.G.P.C. Amritsar. India. p.1-1430.
17. Maden, J. (2020, December). Socrates and the Socratic paradox: I know that I know nothing. Retrieved from https://philosophybreak.com/articles/socrates-and-the-socratic-paradox-i-know-that-i-know-nothing/
18. Hamm, K. E. (2021, October 20-23). Maieutic irony: Socratic method and pedagogical communication [Paper Presentation]. Semiotic Society of America 45th Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.

Dr. D. P. Singh, M.Sc., Ph.D. is Director, Center for Understanding Sikhism, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is a physicist by training, a teacher by profession and a writer by choice. He specializes in writing on Science, Religion and Environmental topics. Currently, he is working as Director, CanBridge Learning & Educational Consultant to various educational institutions in Canada. Email: drdpsn@gmail.com

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