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What three candidates does Meno mention for how virtue is acquired?
Virtue is learned through teaching, practice, or it comes naturally
What does Socrates say must be known before answering Meno’s question?
Socrates says we must first define virtue. Agree or disagree based on clarity of definitions.
What is Meno’s first definition of virtue, and why does Socrates object?
Definition: Virtue differs by role (man, woman, child).
Objection: Too broad, lacks a unifying(common) idea.
What is Meno’s second definition, and Socrates’ two criticisms?
Meno says virtue is ruling justly.
Socrates criticizes this by saying (1) justice is just one part of virtue, not the whole thing, and (2) you can’t use a part of something to define the whole thing.
How is the digression about the one-and-many of virtue relevant to defining virtue?
It helps show that virtue must have one definition even though there are different types of virtue.
What is Meno’s third definition of virtue, and how does Socrates modify it?
Meno says virtue is wanting good things and having the power to get them.
Socrates says everyone wants good things, so it’s more about how people acquire them.
Why does Socrates reject the idea that virtue is wanting good things?
Why does Socrates say virtue can’t be just acquiring good things with justice?
Because justice is already part of virtue, so this definition doesn’t add anything new.
What criteria does Plato believe a definition of virtue must fulfill?
It must apply to all virtues, be consistent, and explain what makes virtue what it is.
Why can’t Meno answer Socrates’ request for a definition, and is this beneficial?
Meno is confused.
Benefit: This confusion can lead to better understanding
What does Socrates reveal about himself regarding virtue?
Socrates admits that he doesn’t know what virtue is either.
What are the two issues in Meno’s paradox?
How can you search for something if you don’t know what it is?
If you know what it is, why search?
What does the myth of recollection say about the soul?
The soul is immortal and already knows everything from past lives.
Is Meno brave according to Socrates? Why or why not?
Yes, because searching for answers shows courage.
What is recollection, and what is being recollected?
Recollection means remembering knowledge that the soul already had.
What does Socrates mean by “all learning is recollection”?
He means that learning is just remembering what your soul already knew.
What are the slave-boy’s two wrong answers about the square’s size?
He first says the side should be double, then says it should be 1.5 times longer.
What two stages of recollection have the slave-boy and Meno gone through?
Realizing they don’t know.
Starting to search for answers.
How does Socrates help the boy find the correct size of the square?
Socrates guides the boy through questioning until he figures out the right answer.
What is the correct length of the side for an eight-foot square?
The diagonal of a four-foot square.
What understanding has the slave-boy reached, and what’s still missing?
The boy has a true opinion about the answer but hasn’t fully grasped the deeper reasoning yet.
What stages has Meno experienced in his search for virtue?
Meno realizes he doesn’t know what virtue is, but hasn’t reached the stage of finding a solid definition.
How does recollection solve Meno’s paradox?
It shows that learning is really about remembering, so we’re not starting from nothing.
What activity does Socrates say makes people better and braver?
Engaging in philosophical inquiry or searching for knowledge.
What is Meno’s response when asked for a definition again?
He still doesn’t have a clear answer and remains confused
Why is Socrates disappointed that Meno wants to focus on how virtue is acquired?
Socrates is frustrated because Meno is avoiding the deeper question of what virtue actually is.
What stages of recollection has Meno experienced, and what’s missing?
Meno has experienced confusion and inquiry, but hasn’t reached a true understanding of virtue.
How do you evaluate the theory of recollection?
It’s an interesting idea that learning is remembering, but it’s hard to prove scientifically.
What are the most important ideas Plato presents in Meno?
The nature of virtue, the limits of human knowledge, and the idea that true knowledge comes from within.
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