Which term best describes Socrates' method of questioning supposed "wise" men?

The term that best describes Socrates' method of questioning supposed "wise" men is dialectical reasoning. This approach involves engaging in a dialogue where questions and answers are exchanged to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Socrates employed this technique to challenge the views of those he encountered, guiding them to realize the inconsistencies or gaps in their own beliefs.

Dialectical reasoning emphasizes the process of inquiry and discussion as a means of arriving at truth. Socrates often posed probing questions that encouraged his interlocutors to think deeply about their assumptions and the validity of their claims. This method helps uncover deeper insights, facilitating a form of collaborative philosophical exploration.

In contrast, Socratic irony refers to the strategy Socrates used when he pretended to be ignorant of a topic to elicit information and expose the ignorance of others. While this plays a role in his overall method, it does not fully encompass the essence of questioning itself. Moral relativism involves the idea that moral judgments are not absolute and can vary from culture to culture, which does not pertain to Socratic questioning. Lastly, circular reasoning is a logical fallacy where the conclusion is included in the premise; this does not align with the purpose or nature of Socratic dialogue.