Meno

Definition

Meno is a dialogue written by Plato that explores the nature of virtue and whether it can be taught. In this dialogue, Socrates engages Meno in a discussion that delves into various definitions of virtue, ultimately leading to the conclusion that knowledge is essential for virtue, which connects to the broader themes of ethics and the acquisition of knowledge through recollection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Meno, Socrates argues that virtue is a kind of knowledge, suggesting that if someone knows what is good, they will act accordingly.
2. The dialogue introduces the concept of anamnesis, or recollection, implying that learning is essentially remembering what the soul already knows.
3. Meno's Paradox presents a challenge about how one can search for knowledge if one does not know what they are looking for.
4. Socrates demonstrates his point through an example with a slave boy, showing that he can solve a geometry problem without prior instruction, indicating innate knowledge.
5. The discussion in Meno raises important questions about the relationship between knowledge, learning, and moral virtue, laying groundwork for later philosophical thought.

Review Questions

• How does Meno's Paradox challenge the idea of searching for knowledge in the context of the dialogue?
  • Meno's Paradox poses a significant question: if one does not know what they are looking for, how can they search for it? This paradox challenges the notion of seeking knowledge because it suggests a lack of direction in the pursuit. Socrates counters this by introducing the idea of recollection, arguing that even if we don't consciously know what we seek, we have innate knowledge that can be accessed through guided questioning.
• Discuss how the concept of virtue as knowledge is presented in Meno and its implications for ethics.
  • In Meno, Socrates asserts that virtue is essentially a type of knowledge. This means that if one truly understands what is good, they will naturally act virtuously. This idea shifts the focus from virtue being merely an inherent quality or taught behavior to something rooted in understanding and wisdom. The implication here is profound; it suggests that ethical behavior arises from intellectual insight rather than just societal norms or education.
• Evaluate the significance of Socratic dialogue in Meno for contemporary discussions on education and morality.
  • The Socratic dialogue in Meno is significant because it emphasizes the importance of questioning as a means to uncover deeper truths about knowledge and morality. This method fosters critical thinking and self-reflection, which are crucial in education today. By highlighting that knowledge can lead to virtuous action, it prompts modern educators and ethicists to consider how teaching practices can better cultivate not just intellectual skills but also moral understanding among students.

Related terms

Virtue: A trait or quality deemed to be morally good and valued as a foundation of good moral being.

Socratic Method: A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that stimulates critical thinking and draws out ideas and underlying presuppositions.

Recollection: The theory that knowledge is innate and can be brought to consciousness through questioning and dialogue, as proposed by Plato.