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 verify or dispute a claim. The scientific method is a modern method used to test a theory. Both Socrates' List and the scientific method have similarities and differences. Socrates' method is, however, very similar to the scientific method; Socrates' method appears to be 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 the Socratic elenchus was initially used by Socrates to question or “elicit a claim about the nature or essence of some important virtue” (Shields, 37). Socrates' method can still be used today, but it is not for many reasons. Both the scientific method and the Socratic elenchus are a series of questions or steps used to try to find an answer. Socrates was a man who claimed to know nothing and therefore left no writings behind him. However, Plato documented detailed accounts of Socrates using the Socratic elenchus in Meno and Euthyphro. Meno claimed to teach virtue and charged a fee for his teachings. (Shields, 39). Socrates believed that in order to teach what virtue, Meno must therefore know what virtue is. (Meno, Plato, 89b-e) Socrates declared himself ignorant and professed himself to be in search of knowledge. Therefore, since Meno claimed to know what virtue is, Socrates saw this as a perfect scenario in which he could ask his series of questions. In order 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 on 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, n.d. Web. March 10, 2014. .Kishlansky, Mark A.. “Plato, An Apology.” 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." The phases of the scientific method. Np, nd Web. March 10. 2014. .