Is virtue known or learned? From Socrates (vegetarian) in “Meno” by Plato (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Today, it is an honor to present selections from “Meno” by Plato (vegetarian), translated by Benjamin Jowett. Here, Socrates discusses with young Meno whether virtue is learned or acquired before we are born.

Discussion on Virtue

“‘[…] Now, has anyone ever taught him all this? You must know about him, if, as you say, he was born and bred in your house.’ Meno confirms: ‘And I am certain that no one ever did teach him.’ Socrates questions: ‘And yet he has the knowledge?’ Meno confirms: ‘The fact, Socrates, is undeniable.’ Socrates enquires: ‘But if he did not acquire the knowledge in this life, then he must have had and learned it at some other time?’ Meno agrees: ‘Clearly he must.’ Socrates continues: ‘Which must have been the time when he was not a man?’ Meno answers: ‘Yes.’ Socrates delves deeper: ‘And if there have been always true thoughts in him, both at the time when he was and was not a man, which only need to be awakened into knowledge by putting questions to him, his soul must have always possessed this knowledge, for he always either was or was not a man?’ Meno answers: ‘Obviously.’

Socrates states: And if the truth of all things always existed in the soul, then the soul is immortal. Wherefore be of good cheer, and try to recollect what you do not know, or rather what you do not remember.’ Meno exclaims: ‘I feel, somehow, that I like what you are saying.’ Socrates continues: ‘And I, Meno, like what I am saying. Some things I have said of which I am not altogether confident. But that we shall be better and braver and less helpless if we think that we ought to enquire, than we should have been if we indulged in the idle fancy that there was no knowing and no use in seeking to know what we do not know; that is a theme upon which I am ready to fight, in word and deed, to the utmost of my power.’ […]

‘And we too, as we know not the nature and qualities of virtue, must ask, whether virtue is or is not taught, under a hypothesis: as thus, if virtue is of such a class of mental goods, will it be taught or not? […]’”