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vitsa's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't enjoy Meno as much as Euthyphro.
The discussion on virtue and what it is overall is an interesting one, however I did not really enjoy the extended geometry lesson, nor did I agree with Socrates'/Plato's weird assertion that we contain all knowledge within us only be revealed rather than learned later. What was that about?
Also Socrates' conclusion that virtue comes from the Gods was a little unsatisfactory.
The discussion on virtue and what it is overall is an interesting one, however I did not really enjoy the extended geometry lesson, nor did I agree with Socrates'/Plato's weird assertion that we contain all knowledge within us only be revealed rather than learned later. What was that about?
Also Socrates' conclusion that virtue comes from the Gods was a little unsatisfactory.
lucas12345's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
3.0
Very confusing and uses geometry to illustrate a point that can get hard to follow.
emmanuelbg's review against another edition
4.0
'Can virtue be taught?' (virtue as in excellence, ἀρετή) is the question this dialogue proposes. However, there's a digression in the middle where Socrates exposes briefly some thoughts about epistemology. Surprisingly, I found this tangential conversation to be much more productive and beautiful than the aporic ramblings on virtue.
Socrates' epistemology relates to a process called ἀνάμνησις (anamnesis, recollection). Our immortal soul never learns things per se, but rather remembers them from the ethereal, immaterial, eternal realm.
The proof of this theory is an endearing read, and highly worth it. A slave is brought, and he slowly but surely gives a demonstration of what length a square would have to be in order for it to be double the original square (It's √2 given a square of length 1). This passage is visceral and convincing; the feeling of simply 'knowing' Truth by seeing it is irrefutable, and a thing of beauty.
Perhaps a related concept is the trascendental proof of God, where one uses this epistemological concept when related to logic, mathematics and other trascendental objects to explain why God is a necessary conclusion. Either way, this is a great read.
Socrates' epistemology relates to a process called ἀνάμνησις (anamnesis, recollection). Our immortal soul never learns things per se, but rather remembers them from the ethereal, immaterial, eternal realm.
The proof of this theory is an endearing read, and highly worth it. A slave is brought, and he slowly but surely gives a demonstration of what length a square would have to be in order for it to be double the original square (It's √2 given a square of length 1). This passage is visceral and convincing; the feeling of simply 'knowing' Truth by seeing it is irrefutable, and a thing of beauty.
Perhaps a related concept is the trascendental proof of God, where one uses this epistemological concept when related to logic, mathematics and other trascendental objects to explain why God is a necessary conclusion. Either way, this is a great read.
rosekk's review against another edition
4.0
I don't really feel fit to review a text this influential...
In terms of just enjoying reading it, it was not as fun as some of Plato's other works but I'm not sure that matters so much when it comes to a text like this :S
In terms of just enjoying reading it, it was not as fun as some of Plato's other works but I'm not sure that matters so much when it comes to a text like this :S
littleashes99's review against another edition
4.0
Wow!
“To sum up our enquiry—the result seems to be, if we are at all right in our view, that virtue is neither natural nor acquired, but an instinct given by God to the virtuous. Nor is the instinct accompanied by reason, unless there may be supposed to be among statesmen some one who is capable of educating statesmen. And if there be such an one, he may be said to be among the living what Homer says that Tiresias was among the dead, 'he alone has understanding; but the rest are flitting shades'; and he and his virtue in like manner will be a reality among shadows.”
Excerpt From: Plato. “Meno.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itun.es/ca/o2tUD.l
“To sum up our enquiry—the result seems to be, if we are at all right in our view, that virtue is neither natural nor acquired, but an instinct given by God to the virtuous. Nor is the instinct accompanied by reason, unless there may be supposed to be among statesmen some one who is capable of educating statesmen. And if there be such an one, he may be said to be among the living what Homer says that Tiresias was among the dead, 'he alone has understanding; but the rest are flitting shades'; and he and his virtue in like manner will be a reality among shadows.”
Excerpt From: Plato. “Meno.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itun.es/ca/o2tUD.l
abearofverylittlebrain's review against another edition
Virtue seems to have a couple components. Knowledge of it, but also the desire to do it. That’s why it is hard to classify.
Socrates concludes that virtue is given by the gods, and I’m not too sure he isn’t right.
I think I would say virtue is given by God, but it’s cultivation involves personal will, too.
Socrates concludes that virtue is given by the gods, and I’m not too sure he isn’t right.
I think I would say virtue is given by God, but it’s cultivation involves personal will, too.