Meno II by Socrates (-399)
Meno II is a dialogue between Socrates and Meno, a young man from Thessaly. Meno is trying to determine whether virtue can be taught or if it is something that is innate. Socrates argues that virtue is something that can be taught, and he uses a series of questions and examples to prove his point. He begins by asking Meno what virtue is, and Meno responds that it is the ability to rule over others. Socrates then refutes this definition by pointing out that it is possible to rule without being virtuous. He then goes on to explain that virtue is a kind of knowledge, and that it can be acquired through teaching and practice. He also argues that virtue is not something that can be inherited, but rather something that must be learned. Finally, Socrates concludes that virtue is something that can be taught, and that it is the result of a combination of knowledge and practice.
By Socrates · First published -399 · Genre: Philosophy, Classical Literature, Historical Fiction · 6,114 words
First lines
[A CONTINUATION OF SOCRATES' DIALOGUE WITH MENO IN WHICH THE BOY PROVES ROOT 2 IS IRRATIONAL.]
Socrates: Well, here we are at the appointed time, Meno.
What this Textopian page supports
Meno II is listed on Textopian as an essay by Socrates, dated 399 BCE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Socrates
- Date: 399 BCE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Classical Literature, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 6,114 words
- Structure: 1 section, 264 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Meno II by Socrates
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Philosophy — Meno II is a philosophical dialogue written by Socrates, which focuses on the concept of knowledge and virtue.
- Classical Literature — Meno II is a classic work of literature, written by one of the most influential philosophers of all time.
- Historical Fiction — Meno II is set in ancient Greece and is based on the real-life conversations between Socrates and Meno.
- Drama — Meno II is a dramatic dialogue between two characters, which explores the themes of knowledge and virtue.
Tags
philosophy · knowledge · virtue · Socratic method · dialogue · epistemology · learning · ignorance · definition · soul · recollection · truth