The Socratic method of education has several benefits and deficiencies. Firstly, while the method is very intensive in its questioning of reason and motive, it allows for the formation of well-supported opinions as the ‘teacher’ forces the clarification of every presented opinion until the answer originally sought for is reached. Socrates uses such a method in his ‘apology,’ or defense speech, as he questions Meletus as to the motives of his accusation against Socrates. Socrates in fact proves that Meletus has no care for the young he claims to defend in prosecuting Socrates, nor does he have substantial proof that Socrates does not believe in the gods, which is the gravest indictment Socrates faces. Another benefit of the Socratic method is the ample amount of opportunity the student has in understanding the discussion at hand. Socrates is very favorable of repetition and clarification of his statements and the answers he wants. Again, this is illustrated in the dialogue exchanged between Meletus and Socrates. In Meletus’ silence, Socrates continually repeats his questions and clarifies them for Meletus’ benefit so he may better understand what Socrates desires of him.

An unfortunate deficiency to the Socratic Method is it often results in the formation of unnecessary enemies solely for the innocent goal of achieving knowledge. Those who perceive themselves wise are affronted by Socrates’ attempt at examining their knowledge, and when they are found to be less intelligent, they take offense at the degradation of their reputation. Had this drawback to the method not existed, than Socrates would not be making an Apologia in the first place.