I do not agree on this assumption all  , but sometimes the truth can be really clarifed by way of public dispute . For some scientific issues , the fact is verified by labaratory data of experiment and it is compelling to most non-scientist civilians . Like general relativity theory proposed by Einstein , if this theory is right matters some of scientifitists instead of the commons . As for some controversial social issues , dispute often leads to profuse disturbance and more paradox could be brought about . Besides , more dispute booms more controversy  However, there is no better alternative to elucidate the truth by public dispute  as far as I know. In ancient times , some critical decision were made by one autocratic leader and some policies are wise and smart till now , however , more problematic and fallacious decisions were made then and numerous people were suffered by those autocratic policy. That is true also .

I a'm think Socrates was partly right, because not all truths are opened by the dispute. Such as the structure of the atom.