Platonic Paradox :: essays research papers

To re pursuit Platos paradox in the Meno, we layabout first consult the definition of what platonism is. Websters defines platonism as " true(a) things atomic number 18 copies of transcendent ideas and that these ideas are the objects of true knowledge apprehended by reminiscence." For this essay, we leave behind assume that trancendency is- "that which is beyond comprehension", and reminiscence as " bypast experience". The Meno is a dialogue between Socrates, a scholar and Meno, who at last 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 best than average intelligence and superior stubbornness. The piece, according to the translation by G.M.A. Grube is aspect to have taken intrust in approximately 402 B.C. in Athens, Greece. ripe in the text, a third character, Anytus, a politician, who would eventually be an accuser of Socrates, joins in the dialogue. In the t ext, Meno in trying to define moral excellence accidentally slips in to a paradox or contradictory statement, which Socrates immediately refutes. It is the purpose of this radical to recognize the paradox, examine how Socrates disproves the paradox through argument and evidence. Socrates also brings up a key distinction between true opinion and knowledge, relating to the paradox, which will too be examined. Socrates then gives basis for more argument regarding the paradox, and why he does this will also be examined. 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 graphic trait, that men are born with. Socrates, in method true to form, twists the distrust 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. So crates then says "I wait to be in luck, Meno, while I am looking for nonpareil virtue, I have found you to have a whole group of them."Menos frustration begins to set in. He tries theatrical metaphor to define virtue, as well as relating to physical philosophy and philosophers such as Empedocles.Meno at this point gives up and hands the philosophy to Socrates. Socrates presents Meno with a paradox"....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.