Platonic Paradox
To research Plato's paradox in the Meno, we can first consult the definition of what platonism is. Websters defines platonism as "actual things are copies of transcendent ideas and that these ideas are the objects of true knowledge apprehended by reminiscence." For this essay, we will assume that trancendency is- "that which is beyond comprehension", and reminiscence as "past experience". The Meno is a dialogue between Socrates, a scholar and Meno, who eventually became an explorer. For this essay, however, we will assume that Meno is at the time of the dialogue, an upper-class citizen of average to better than average intelligence and superior stubbornness. The piece, according to the translation by G.M.A. Grube is thought to have taken place in approximately 402 B.C. in Athens, Greece. Late in the text, a third character, Anytus, a politician, who would eventually be an accuser of Socrates, joins in the dialogue. In the text, Meno in trying to define virtue accidentally slips in to a paradox or contradictory statement, which Socrates immediately refutes. It is the purpose of this paper to recognize the paradox, examine how Socrates disproves the paradox through argument and evidence. Socrates also brings up a ke
Socrates is trying to prove to Meno that people may posses knowledge that they do not even know of. Perhaps, this relates back to the original argument of virtue. Men posses virtue instinctively, and do not know that they have virtue until they have already used it, just as the slave had the knowledge to solve the problem, but did not know that he did until he had solved it. "I seem to be in luck, Meno, while I am looking for one virtue, I have found you to have a whole swarm of them." "So the man who does not know has within himself true opinions about the thing that he does not know?" The initial argument takes place when Socrates challenges Meno to define virtue. Meno does not realize here what he has started. Meno has before inquired whether virtue is a quality that can be taught or if it is a natural trait, that men are born with. Socrates, in method true to form, twists the question and re-poses it to Meno to see if Meno can answer it all on his own. Meno lists what he thinks are virtuous qualities, and is content at that simple definition. Socrates then says: Meno has begun to learn something. He has become more three-dimensional in his thinking. Meno suggests that virtue is a kind of knowledge. This is the next point that they ponder. They agree that virtue is a good quality and that good qualities benefit us. Socrates then appears to strike down the same argument that he has just nurtured when he explains this to Meno: "....He cannot search for what (a debater) knows- since he knows it, there is no need to search- nor for what he does not know, for he does not know what to look for." "I mean to say that they are not very valuable possessions if they are at liberty, for they will walk off like runaway slaves; but when fastened, they are of great value, for they are really beautiful works of art. Now this is an illustration of the nature of true opinions: while they abide with us they are beautiful and fruitful, but they run away out of the human soul, and do not remain long, and therefore they are not of much value until they are fastened by the tie of the cause; and this fastening of them, friend Meno, is recollection, as you and I have agreed to call it. But when they are bound, in the first place, they have the nature of knowledge; and, in the second place, they are abiding. And this is why knowledge is more honorable and excellent than true opinion, because fastened by a chain."
Some common words found in the essay are:
Socrates Meno, Greece Late, Platonic Paradox, Meno Meno, foot square, true opinion, true opinion knowledge, GMA Grube, Empedocles Meno, opinion knowledge, define virtue, sixteen foot, true opinions, sixteen foot square, based line feet, simply argument, line feet, sometimes wrong, paradox examined, foot square double,
Approximate Word count = 1722
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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