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The learning paradox is that a man cannot search either for what he knows or for what he does not know, because if he knows he doesn't need to search, while if he doesn't know he won't recognize his quarry when he comes upon it. So, Meno suggests, there's no purpose in going on with the search for new information. Deductively, if you know what you're looking for, inquiry is unnecessary. If you don't know what you're looking for, inquiry is impossible. Therefore, inquiry is either unnecessary or impossible. Socrates believed that you can't come to know something that you didn't already know. That is, that inquiry never produces new knowledge, but only recapitulates things already known. Therefore, he was not a teacher, since nothing could be taught, but a seeker of truth and absolute knowledge from within, as was everyone else. So, Meno asks, why seek knowledge or ask questions or try to seek knowledge or try to learn? In reply, Socrates proposes the Doctrine of Recollection to explain how it is that someone can identify the object of the definitional search, yet not already know what that object is: the "learner" has been exposed to the object of his search in a previous existence, but does not now remember it well enough to call it to mind without the aid of a dialectical reminder. Socrates' theory is that we already have within our souls (which are immortal and have eternal knowledge) the answers to such questions. Thus, arriving at the answers is a matter of retrieving them from within. We recognize them as correct when we confront them. To demonstrate this theory, Socrates asks a slave boy a series of questions about a subject he knew nothing about, geometry. After several questions, without instruction, the boy is able to answer a geometry question regarding the calculation of the area of a square. Socrates then said to Meno, either then he has at some time acquired the knowledge which he now has, or he has always possessed it. If he always possessed this knowledge, he must have been unaware of it (which he claimed to have been); if on the other hand he acquired it at some previous time, it cannot have been in this life, unless somebody has taught him geometry (which Meno said had not occurred). Therefore, Socrates states that the slave boy has always had knowledge of geometry, since one cannot acquire new knowledge in this or any other lifetime, the soul and the knowledge it processes are eternal.

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What was Socrates suggesting in this quote?

Socrates was suggesting in the quote that wisdom comes from recognizing the limits of one's knowledge. This idea is known as the Socratic paradox, "I know that I know nothing." It underscores the importance of humility and continuous learning in the pursuit of knowledge.


What point did Socrates make by telling the story of the oracle of Delphi?

Socrates used the story of the Oracle of Delphi to demonstrate that his wisdom came from recognizing his own ignorance. The oracle proclaimed Socrates as the wisest man, but Socrates interpreted this as a call to seek knowledge through questioning and self-reflection rather than claiming to know everything.


When Socrates used Pathos to convince his audience of something he did what?

When Socrates used pathos, he appealed to the emotions of his audience by using storytelling, humor, or vivid language to connect with them on a deeper level. This helped him create a stronger emotional impact and persuade his audience to see his point of view.


What were the main concepts of Socrates teaching?

One endearing thing about Socrates is that he realized that he knew nothing. The fact that he was aware of his own ignorance made him wise. Socrates used philosophy to help discover how we should live in order to be happy and fulfilled. To better understand Socrates, you should begin by examining the three major concepts in Socrates teachings. Socrates felt that life is not worth living unless you examine your life to know whom you are, what you believe, and what you want to become. To know yourself should be a major undertaking in your life. If a person is happy simply to exist, then what is the point of life? Secondly, Socrates felt it was imperative to care for your soul. He believed that the soul is who you really are. It is your character; the real you. Intelligence is based on the condition of your soul because it is the basis for your decisions, values, and viewpoint. Therefore, if you are not constantly learning and gaining wisdom, your soul will not be healthy. Socrates felt that introspection was the way to a healthy soul, and that many people never realized their true potential. Lastly, Socrates taught that a truly good person is incapable of being harmed by others. He did not mean this in the physical way, but in a spiritual way. If your core, or soul, is good, then physical things will not change it. We can change our soul ourselves if we change our beliefs or values, but outward forces cannot.


Who was the greatest among Socrates Plato and Aristotle?

Plato was the greatest writer. Aristotle gets credit for the "Forms". Socrates was the starting point for both. Though both Plato and Aristotle had their strengths, Socrates was the first and without him neither would have been as great. My answer is Socrates.

Related Questions

What was Socrates suggesting in this quote?

Socrates was suggesting in the quote that wisdom comes from recognizing the limits of one's knowledge. This idea is known as the Socratic paradox, "I know that I know nothing." It underscores the importance of humility and continuous learning in the pursuit of knowledge.


What is redundancy in language learning?

redundancy in a sentence would be unnecessary words to explain a given point


What does if you go halfway to a point then halfway again and so on you will never reach the other point?

Zeno's Paradox


What does if you go halfway to a point then halfway again and so on you will never reach the other point describe?

Zeno's Paradox


If you go halfway to a point halfway again halfway again and so on you will never reach the other point describe?

Zeno's paradox. Apex


What is a hydrostatic paradox?

The hydrostatic paradox refers to the principle that the pressure at a given depth in a liquid is determined solely by the weight of the fluid above that point, regardless of the shape or volume of the container holding the liquid. This means that the pressure at a specific depth in a liquid is constant, and does not depend on the shape of the container.


What is the site Learning Point all about?

The site Learning Point is educational enrichment. The provide classes about mathematics, science and English. The courses are challenging and fun at the same time.


What are the release dates for Turning Point - 2000 Learning to Live Thankfully?

Turning Point - 2000 Learning to Live Thankfully was released on: USA: 23 November 2008


What point did Socrates make by telling the story of the oracle of Delphi?

Socrates used the story of the Oracle of Delphi to demonstrate that his wisdom came from recognizing his own ignorance. The oracle proclaimed Socrates as the wisest man, but Socrates interpreted this as a call to seek knowledge through questioning and self-reflection rather than claiming to know everything.


Key learning point definition?

A key learning point is a fundamental concept or idea that is crucial to understanding a particular subject or topic. It encapsulates the most important information or insight that is essential for comprehension and application. Key learning points serve as the foundation for further exploration and development of knowledge.


Whats the point of learning Spanish when I live in England?

Porque no? (Why not?)


Is there a cheat code to get point's on i am learning and what is it?

spiderman is the best so no