“And thus we arrive at the conclusion that virtue is either wholly or partly wisdom?”
- Source
- Meno
- Date
- 4th century BCE
- Local voice
- Dialogue speaker · Socrates
Meaning of “And thus we arrive at the conclusion that…”
Socrates arrives at a conditional suggestion that a good character may depend wholly or partly on wisdom. His question follows a discussion of how judgment guides courage and other qualities toward good outcomes. It is not a final definition: he soon reopens the question by doubting whether virtue can be taught and whether suitable teachers exist.
Where does it come from?
Plato, Meno, approximately Stephanus 89a; Socrates is questioning Meno after connecting the usefulness of virtues with wise guidance. The conclusion is provisional and is challenged shortly afterwards when they examine the absence of recognized teachers of virtue. Exact complete sentence in Benjamin Jowett English, Project Gutenberg #1643, dialogue proper (not translator introduction); the historical Plato is not the speaking character.
Why the local voice matters
Meno, around 89a, Socrates speaking to Meno while testing the provisional suggestion that virtue is wholly or partly wisdom. The later dialogue questions this conclusion. Benjamin Jowett English, Project Gutenberg #1643; not Plato autobiographical speech.
