socrates

Ask one structured question at a time to surface underlying problems.

4|Updated Apr 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/satsilem/claude-skills-pantheon --skill socrates-satsilem
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: socrates
Source: https://github.com/satsilem/claude-skills-pantheon/tree/main/skills/socrates
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/satsilem/claude-skills-pantheon --skill socrates-satsilem

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Uncover the real problem by guiding users through the Socratic method: asking questions that reveal assumptions, surface needs, and prevent solving the wrong problem.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Non-prescriptive questioning that avoids giving answers or advice.
  • Structured, one-question-at-a-time dialogue to surface the true problem in early discovery.
  • Applicable in requirements framing, solution evaluation, and clarifying ambiguous requests.

Quick Start

Ask the user to describe the situation, then pose a single focused question to surface the real problem.

Frequently Asked Questions about socrates

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I uncover the real problem during requirements discovery?

Problem framing uses structured, non-leading questions to reveal the root cause of ambiguous requests. Socratic questioning surfaces hidden assumptions and needs by asking one question at a time, preventing premature solution evaluation.

What is the best way to handle product discovery when users present solutions without a clear problem?

Product discovery in these situations requires Socratic questioning to clarify ambiguous requests. You ask non-prescriptive, one-question-at-a-time inquiries to peel back solution assumptions and surface the actual underlying need before proceeding.

How do I use Socratic questioning for requirements validation?

Socratic questioning for requirements validation involves asking structured, non-leading questions to test assumptions. You pose a single focused question at a time, avoiding advice, to document the process and ensure the framed requirements match the true problem.

Does problem-framing consulting work without giving advice or proposed solutions?

Problem-framing consulting works by strictly avoiding advice and proposed solutions. It relies entirely on asking structured, non-leading questions one at a time to guide the user in evaluating their own solutions and surfacing the real problem naturally.

When should I not use a Socratic questioning approach for early-stage discovery?

You should not use a Socratic questioning approach when the problem is already well-defined or requires immediate prescriptive solutions. This method is limited to early-stage discovery and requirements validation, relying on a structured dialogue rather than direct troubleshooting.