Socrates And Meno Analysis
analytical Essay
365 words
In the Meno by Plato, Socrates and Meno attempt to define virtue as an entity and establish whether or not this is a quality that can be taught. According to Socrates, in order for us to possess a quality such as being virtuous, we have to have knowledge of the matter. Meno’s paradox plays a central role in the dialogue as it questions how we can be certain we have arrived at the correct answer. Through the Socratic method of elenchus (to be explained), leading characters into a state of aporia (to be explained) and a geometric lesson, Socrates shows us how we can perform scientific research and reach an answer previously unknown to us. In order to begin scientific research, we have to admit we do not know the answer we are seeking, we have to be perplexed and achieve a thirst for knowledge and critical thinking has to be present. Socrates illustrates this through the geometric lesson with the slave boy in Meno. This paper will discuss if the geometric lesson by Socrates is an effective way of answering Meno’s paradox in terms of doing scientific research and …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how socrates and meno attempt to define virtue as an entity and establish whether or not this is a quality that can be taught.
- Analyzes how socrates and meno collectively define virtue as a type of knowledge and if it can be taught. the slave boy and anytus are introduced to illustrate recollection.
Or is it not teachable but the result of practice, or is it neither of these, but men possess it by nature or in some other way?” (Meno, Plato p.871, 70a). This sets the stage for the investigation that follows as it prompts Socrates and Meno to collectively define virtue, if virtue is in fact a type of knowledge and if so, if it can be taught. Socrates and Meno are the main characters but additional characters, the slave boy and Anytus, are introduced to attempt to illustrate recollection as a means of gaining knowledge and determine if there are teachers of virtue, and if so, who. The dialogue ends just as abruptly when Socrates concludes “virtue appears to be present in those of us who may possess it as a gift from the gods” (Meno p.897, 100b), disregarding virtue as a type of
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- analytical
- Socrates and Propertiesanalytical essayIn conclusion, this paper examined three philosophical problems that some philosophers have credited to the priority of definition principle. By re-examining the text I found that there is a good reason to accept both of these distinctions. He talks of moral beliefs that he accepts but he refuses to consider those beliefs as knowledge. Socratic polices, ethics and method is examined and opinionated through out this paper. Also true and false issues are brought up, and explained in details. This paper is mostly fixated on Socrates way of knowledge and if the method is the correct way of learning and teaching. I would like to close with this small thought, people set the boundaries of right and wrong, and every society is different, as so is Socrates.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how socrates presents us with one of the most striking paradoxes: his ignorance results from his belief that he has no knowledge of moral idea, or moral properties.
- Opines that socrates does not hold a consistent epistemological view through out the book.
- Opines that socrates has no method, though his manner of examining others can produce important negative and positive results. he claims to possess knowledge that certain things are true, but not know why or how it is true.
- Opines that the paper will try to answer one of may question specific positions and arguments s make.
- Argues that socrates' interest in definitions and his skepticism about clams to non-definitionally based moral knowledge come from his belief that a person cannot have knowledge about moral property unless he first knows the fundamental nature of the property.
- Explains that socrates' method of asking questions and leading to answers was achieved by "elenctic arguments only demonstrate the inconsistency of the interlocutors’ initial moral claim."
- Analyzes how socrates succeeded in discovering that a great many people "think they know something when in fact they don't know anything." one needs to practice elenchos oneself to lead an examined life.
- Analyzes how socrates describes meno's question as suggesting that his own methods of argument, the dialectic elenchos, are different, more serious and effective.
- Analyzes how socrates developed the dialectical process for gaining knowledge. he used an inductive method of argumentation in order to develop universal definitions.
- Argues that socrates' epistemological view is more sophisticated than philosophers explain it to be. textual and philosophic considerations reveal that he recognizes three intellectual states: expert knowledge, lesser knowledge and supported belief.
- Analyzes how socrates sees an emptiness in the arrogance we sometimes show when we claim to know that an action is courageous or an activity is pious.
- Analyzes how socrates doesn't abandon philosophy because it is of utmost importance to humanity. human wisdom lies in realizing that we are ignorant of the definitions of moral properties.
- Opines that socrates intends for his ignorance claims to be understood bradly, suggesting that his definition requirement ranges over all moral knowledge and not just tough cases or general statements about property.
- Explains that the new view asserts that socrates recognizes two different types of moral knowledge: expert knowledge that stems from knowledge of definition, and lesser knowledge produced in some way other than definitions.
- Explains socrates' view of ethics as a rational process, where reason is central to ethics, and where reasoning is considered as the basis by which decisions are made.
- Analyzes how plato maintains a virtue-based eudemonistic ethic, stating that human well-being is the highest aim of moral thought and conduct.
- Opines that moral intellectualism is present in all greek though, not except the great ethical system of plato.
- Opines that socrates was the instigator of the conflict between philosophy and politics.
- Analyzes how socratic philosophy offers an alternative and prepares the way for the alternative of absolutes.
- Analyzes how philosphy debunked what the city thinks they know in order to refute the god. socrates is subtly admitting his guilt.
- Concludes that the delphic oracle was a definite turning point in socrates' life.
- Concludes that the paper examines three philosophical problems that some philosophers have credited to the priority of definition principle.
3231 wordsRead More - Plato Meno's Paradoxanalytical essaySeeing as both Socrates and himself do not know what virtue is, Meno declares that they are unable to recognize or even discover it. After that Socrates refutes by stating the theory of recollection, and the immortality of the soul. Since Socrates believes that a soul is immortal, any knowledge can be recollected, which is what the theory of recollection is. He proves this through Meno’s slave, who had no prior learning of math or geometry. Through a series of questions, the slave boy is able to determine all of the lengths of the squares that Socrates draws, which explains to Meno that virtue can be recollected if they take enough time to find the
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how plato's meno states a few premises involving the acquisition of knowledge, which coined the term "meno’s paradox". socrates resolves by stating the theory of recollection.
- Analyzes meno's paradox which explains the discovery of knowledge is impossible and if you don't know what you are learning, you cannot discover it either. socrates resolves this paradox with the theory of recollection.
- Analyzes how socrates demonstrates the theory of recollection with meno's slave boy, where he asks him about geometric problems.
- Analyzes how socrates uses the theory of recollection to convince meno that virtue can be found, even if they don't have any prior knowledge of it.
- Analyzes how meno's paradox questions the acquisition of knowledge and if we are able to discover it. socrates refutes the theory of recollection and the immortality of the soul.
- Analyzes how glaucon and adeimantus, puzzled and unsatisfied with thrasymachus' answer, give socrates the chance to defend justice by stating many strong points about being unjust.
- Analyzes how glaucon dives right in and states that there are two kinds of values, an instrumental value, and a non-instrumental value.
- Analyzes how glaucon argues that people who practice justice do it because they lack the power to do unjust actions that lead them to the better goods.
- Explains glaucon's view that the best life is one where one is unjust but has a reputation for being just, whereas the person living the bad life lives the good life.
- Analyzes how glaucon and adeimantus want to give the strongest argument against justice so that socrates can provide the best argument for justice.
1579 wordsRead More - The Argument Of Paradox In Meno, By Platoanalytical essayIn Meno, by Plato, a question is posed to Socrates whether virtue can be taught, or whether it comes by practice, or is acquired by one’s birth and nature. During this discussion between Meno and Socrates an interesting paradox appears, called Meno’s Dilemma. This paradox is formed in a four statement argument. First, either one knows or does not know X (variable). Secondly, If X is known one cannot learn it, as it is already known. If one does not know X then one cannot learn it because one does not know what you are trying to learn or where to learn it. Therefore, one cannot learn X. Plato, through the words of Socrates, attempts to prove this argument by proving the third statement wrong using an Argument of Recollection.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in order to solve meno's dilemma one must prove a statement wrong. the first objection is because of experiential learning, or in simpler terms, trial and error.
- Analyzes plato's argument that if one knows x, one can teach it to others who may not know it.
- Analyzes how plato argues that knowledge of forms is contained in one's soul, which raises the question of how did our soul learn this.
- Opines that a symbiotic relationship between abstract universals and concrete particulars allows for better description of the world around us and recognition of certain things.
- Analyzes meno's dilemma, which is formed in a four statement argument. if true, it shatters any attempt of advancement in any field of science, or society.
1191 wordsRead More - Meno´s Paradox Presented by Platoanalytical essayThe critical argument, known as Meno's Paradox, as presented in Plato's “Meno”, questions the very basis of Socrates method of arriving at knowledge of unknown things through inquiry. If Socrates truly wants to gain knowledge of what no one else knows, then the content of that “unknown” thing will produce absolutely nothing. The paradox bases itself in stating that humans can never learn anything that they don't already obtain knowledge of. As identified by Meno, the paradox is this: "And how are you going to inquire about it, Socrates, when you do not at all know what it is? For what sort of thing, from among the ones you do not know, will you take as the object of your inquiry? And even if you do happen to bump right into it, how are you going to know that It is the thing you did not know?” By saying this, Meno proposes that since Socrates does not really know what virtue is, he cannot find it because he would not recognize it even if he did. Each time Meno offers an explanation of the term, Socrates rejects them immediately because they are, in his eyes, inadequate. Socrates delivers an excellent theory, along with an example, to criticize this paradox and provide for the opportunity of humans achieving knowledge.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes meno's paradox, which questions socrates' method of arriving at knowledge of unknown things through inquiry.
- Explains that meno's paradox is that learning is impossible, which indicates hopelessness in obtaining knowledge for oneself. interpreting the principle of charity to the argument would be inadequate understanding.
- Analyzes how socrates presents the theory of recollection to disprove the paradox that meno offers.
- Analyzes how socrates uses an example to demonstrate that even if you don't know something, that something can still be learned.
- Analyzes how socrates' inquiry led to meno's paradox, a seemingly intelligent argument that mindlessly concludes that knowledge of something can never actually and fully be obtained. plato disproves the third premise.
851 wordsRead More - The Life of Socratesanalytical essaySocrates (470-399 BC) was a credited philosopher born in the city of Athens to father Sophroniscus and mother Phaenarete. Despite his world-renowned contributions, he did not leave any written accounts of his life. His story was taught through the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon, along with Aristotle and Aristophanes in various forms of dramatic texts and histories. Among others, Plato wrote many dialogues that quoted Socrates’ exact words. Much of what we know comes from this greatly influenced student. However, Plato being a literary artist, leads many to think that he brightened up Socrates’ teachings as a result of his positive bias. For this reason, much of his history remains uncertain.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that socrates was a credited philosopher born in athens to father sophroniscus and mother phaenarete. his story was taught through the writings of his students plato and xenophon, along with aristotle
- Analyzes how ancient texts have come to various conclusions about how socrates made a living, or where he worked.
- Explains that socrates was famous for questioning his students in an unending search for the truth. he understood that if the series of progressing questions lead to a contradiction, it would force the student to examine their own beliefs and comprehend their knowledge.
- Explains that socrates' method of questioning was based on the belief that his wisdom was limited to the awareness of his own ignorance.
- Analyzes how socrates' oracle contradicted his belief that there was no man wiser than him. he was aware of his ignorance, making him the wisest.
- Explains socrates' life as a moral critic and social "gadfly" began after the reading of the oracle. he was unorthodox about the political and religious views which lead athens.
- Describes how socrates was convicted of corrupting the minds of athenian youth and raising a new generation of men who would fail to follow tradition. he fought against the law and argued that the convictions were unjust.
- Explains that socrates' contributions lived long past his years after conviction. the socratic method is prominently used in modern courts to distinguish facts from opinions.
- Analyzes how socrates' greatest contribution to modern law was his perception of justice as something one should not follow merely because it is of policy. his actions led to death, but his teachings were later revived in both medieval europe and the islamic middle east.
- Explains that socrates was mentioned in many dialogues written by other philosophers of various regions.
806 wordsRead More - Philosophy Of Socratesanalytical essayPhilosophers like Socrates had a huge impact on philosophers during that time as well as the philosophers today. During the Periclean Age, he was in Athens teaching philosophy of life to the people on the streets who cared enough to listen. The philosophy of Socrates mainly was the responsibility of people's moral attitudes. The teachings of Socrates were found to be understanding of life, recognizing the truth and speaking of the components that were used to a successful life. The teachings of his philosophy weren't appreciated much by the public in which he was sent to the trial with charges against him for his teachings towards the youth. It is very shocking to learn that the charges against him were the interference with the youth and unbelieving
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes socrates' impact on philosophers during the periclean age and the philosophy of today.
- Explains socrates' philosophy of knowledge, goodness, and virtuous. he believed that actual knowledge came from the whole as one.
- Analyzes how socrates urges people to find the true value of life by examining and investigating the reason of human life, the purpose we hold as a human being.
- Explains that socrates' primary goal is to show his point of view correctly and prove he is not innocent and to disprove the wrongdoing.
- Opines that socrates philosophy gives them a lot of understanding of knowledge and how it can affect our daily lives. they can use his theories in their field by uplifting knowledge as their power to get their higher education and getting their degree in nursing.
- Concludes that knowledge is the most important power anyone can hold as it's the inescapable result of moralistic understandings.
975 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Socratesanalytical essayIn the last days of Socrates’ life while he awaits his death sentence, he examines and evaluates the facets of life and the morals that come as a part of human nature. He analyzes the concept of being, and what it means to be either living or deceased and through this analysis, Socrates particularly goes in depth with his examination of the human soul. In Phaedo, Plato meets with a follower who had been with Socrates on his last day, on which he talked much about the innermost qualities of being; life and death and how the soul constitutes those two entities. According to Socrates, there are four arguments that prove the existence of the soul: the Argument from Opposites, the Theory of Recollection, the Affinity Argument, and the Theory of Forms.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how socrates questions death as the ultimate goal for one's soul. the body is mortal, while the soul is immortal.
- Explains socrates' view that the soul is hindered by the body and its needs. to reach its highest potential, the mortal body must die to move on and be its purest self.
- Analyzes how aquinas recognizes that form and matter are interconnected and cannot function without one another.
- Explains that the soul and the body are intertwined forces that are crucial to one another in order to thrive as one essence.
- Analyzes socrates' analysis of the human soul in phaedo, where he argues that everything in life holds an opposite to another force. the theory of recollection proposes that humans have innate knowledge and understanding of equality.
- Explains that st. thomas aquinas believes in the existence of a soul in all living entities, but his reasoning for such differs slightly.
1556 wordsRead More - Meno Vs Menoanalytical essayThe theme of Meno is the argument on whether virtue can be taught, as discussed by Socrates and Meno. To reach a conclusion on whether or not virtue can be taught requires that the philosophers first define what exactly is being taught, or what is virtue. Socrates claims to know nothing about virtue, except that he is looking for it 's form. As a result, Meno provides many definitions for Socrates. This paper will analyze Meno 's definitions of virtue and the soundness of Socrates ' argument against them as he searches for the form.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes meno's definitions of virtue and socrates' argument against them as he searches for its form.
- Analyzes how socrates argues against meno's earlier but fruitless attempt to define virtue as being specific to each age, gender, and personal situation.
- Analyzes how meno agrees with socrates that "the power of governing the state, justly and not unjustly" must the definition of virtue.
- Explains plato's doctrine of the forms, where the things we experience in our material world exist in their truest essence or "form." the form is a concept that is not material while particular things are the material manifestation of those forms.
- Analyzes how meno defines virtue as "the desire of things honorable and the power of attaining them." socrates' argument is founded on the premises that those who do evil must know that they will be hurt.
- Analyzes how socrates questions meno on whether he had defined virtue as, "the desire and power of attaining good," and concludes that every man is concluded to be virtuous.
- Analyzes how meno believes that acquiring these goods is considered virtuous when accompanied by an element of virtue, such as justice, temperance, or holiness.
- Analyzes socrates and meno's defining reasoning and concludes that the form of virtue cannot be captured.
883 wordsRead More - Analysis: The Last Days Of Socratesanalytical essayThe thought that has tortured creators forever is that “nothing is original.” Ideas build upon ideas and nothing is ever original. In 470-399 BC, Socrates had a lot to say about many ideas. Although, one of the most controversial ones was his view on life and death. It is still a controversial matter today. Socrates’ views have shaped Western culture in the direction of shaming suicide, accepting that the body and soul are two different things, and the body and soul separate at death. Due to the views of Socrates, it is hard for many Westerners to accept the idea of assisted suicide, brain death, and comatose states. Socrates’ views have fostered medical ethics, religious views, disciplinary action, and entertainment in Western society today.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that socrates' views on life and death have shaped western culture in the direction of shaming suicide, accepting that the body and soul are two different things.
- Explains that socrates was born around 470 b.c. in athens, greece, to sophroniscus and phaenarete. he received a regular greek education of music, literature, gymnastics, mathematics, physics, and astronomy
- Analyzes how plato's the last days of socrates exhibits the true character of the greek philosopher.
- Opines that their accusers have said little or nothing that is true, but from them you will hear the whole truth.
- Explains socrates' belief in instruction and reproof is starting to take effect in the western society. the judiciary commitee has passed the youth promise act.
- Analyzes how socrates' application of ethos was heavily used in his argument to defend his innocence upon the accusations brought upon him.
- Explains that socrates' views of death have shaped cultures across the world. black muslims believe that their soul goes away and implants itself into another world, while confucian believers believe in the annihilation effect.
- Analyzes how crito's dialogue highlights socrates' deepest opinions about life. he tries to get him to escape prison and go to the land of thessaly.
- Opines that people who don't know them will think that they let them down, saying they could have saved them if they'd spent more money.
- Analyzes how socrates eradicates criticism with ethical and logical rhetoric. crito exhibits his beliefs on justice, experts, and death in relation to the body and the soul.
- Analyzes how socrates believes that people's decisions should be based on the opinions of an expert, which shapes the opinion of western society.
1652 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Plato's Reaction Between Socrates And Menoanalytical essayIn our current time the term Virtue is defined as “behavior showing high moral standards”. Knowing that we can pull out a dictionary or google the term is much easier than others had trying to define this word. Looking up the definition is something we can do, but to figure it out to an exact point was a challenge. This challenge took place many years ago in Athens. Plato was a philosopher and mathematician in classical Greece, and was a founder of the Academy of Athens, which promoted learning at a higher level in the western world. Socrates is another classical Greek figure who is said to be a founder of the western philosophy and he takes a huge part in Ethics and Epistemology. Meno is a Thessalian political figure who was recently a student
In this essay, the author
- Explains that virtue is defined as "behavior showing high moral standards". they describe the challenge of figuring out the definition in athens, where plato, socrates, meno, and gorgias were students.
- Explains that plato's meno is one of his earliest written dialogues, but the main character isn't socrates himself. they are a conversation between two people, which makes digesting concepts and ideas easier.
- Analyzes how meno is a student who thinks he understands something, and wants socrates to believe in his own thinking.
- Analyzes how socrates puts meno in a state of confusion by asking different questions to stimulate ideas. giving up when philosophical critical thinking gets hard seems easy, but pushing through makes us more interesting.
- Analyzes how socrates admits that he doesn't know the meaning or origin of virtue and asks meno for a refresher.
- Analyzes how socrates explains that mathematics is an unchanging, abstract entity that is not subject to changes or errors of the everyday experiences.
- Analyzes socrates' discovery that virtue is not knowledge at all and isn't teachable by any. he gives examples of athenian men who are most noble whose sons are not virtuous.
- Analyzes how socrates takes comfort in not knowing because his conversations are usually impossible. plato's writings contradict themselves and meno is forced to believe that what he once believed is not true.
1862 wordsRead More