PHIL Exam 1: Plato's Meno and Symposium: Virtue, Love, and Dialectic

What must Socrates know before he can know whether virtue can be taught?

He needs a clear definition of what virtue is.

What flaw does Socrates's bee analogy illustrate in Meno's definition of virtue?

It shows that Meno has given examples but not a definition, failing to identify a single common essence that defines virtue.

Why does 'virtue as the ability to rule' fail to satisfy Socrates's request for a definition of virtue?

Not everyone is in a position to rule, and having the ability to rule does not make one virtuous.

What is important to Socrates's dialectic in addition to truth?

Answering in terms the respondent understands, leading to understanding and agreement.

What conclusion do Socrates and Meno arrive at regarding desires for evils?

Nobody desires evils knowingly; they pursue what they think is good.

Why does Meno compare Socrates to a stingray?

Because Socrates perplexes Meno with his questions, and Socrates himself is perplexed.

What is the nature of Eros (Love) according to Plato?

Eros desires beauty and goodness but does not possess them.

Why can't Eros be considered a god?

Eros is not beautiful and exists as an intermediary between gods and mortals.

What does it mean to be a philosopher according to the text?

A philosopher is one who loves or desires wisdom.

What do we desire in addition to goodness and beauty?

We desire immortality; everlasting goodness and beauty.

How does one's soul undergo change according to Diotima?

Through changing opinions, desires, pleasures, pains, fears, and knowledge.

What motivates the pursuit for fame according to Diotima?

The pursuit of immortality through actions like having children or creating works of virtue.

What does Diotima mean by the soul being pregnant?

It refers to the inward bursting with wisdom and virtue, waiting to be 'born' through sharing knowledge.

Why does being united with another's soul form a 'greater communion' than physical union?

Ideas produced are lasting and have a more beautiful impact than physical offspring.

What are the stages of love according to Diotima?

1. Appreciating individual beautiful body 2. Concept of body 3. Soul/mind of others 4. Branches of knowledge/culture 5. True Beauty itself.

What does Socrates say about teachers of virtue in the Meno?

If virtue can be taught, there would be teachers of virtue, but he cannot find any.

What must dialectic involve according to Socrates in the Meno?

It must involve answering what is true while ensuring all participants agree and understand.

What does Diotima demonstrate about beauty in the Symposium?

If something is not beautiful, that does not necessarily mean it is ugly.

What question is raised by the Paradox of Inquiry in the Meno?

How is one to inquire into what one doesn't know when one doesn't know what to inquire into?