Meno

Plato's Meno opens with one of ancient philosophy's most deceptively simple questions: Can virtue be taught? Through the masterful Socratic dialogue that defines this classical text, Socrates and the young nobleman Meno embark on an intellectual journey to uncover the true nature of virtue, or arete—not as isolated qualities like justice or courage, but as a unified concept applicable to all human excellence. As the dialogue unfolds, Meno repeatedly attempts definitions, only to have Socrates gently expose the logical contradictions in each answer. Rather than collapse into hopelessness, however, Plato introduces revolutionary philosophical concepts: the theory of anamnesis, or knowledge as recollection, suggesting that learning is actually a process of remembering what the soul already knows. This profound insight moves the discussion toward Platonic idealism and the existence of eternal, unchanging Forms. Written in the engaging dialectic style that Plato perfected, Meno explores fundamental questions about knowledge, virtue, and human nature that remain strikingly relevant today. Benjamin Jowett's translation captures the nuance and wit of the original Greek while maintaining accessibility for modern readers. Ideal for philosophy students, anyone curious about ancient Greek thought, or listeners seeking to understand the intellectual foundations of Western civilization, this audiobook offers both intellectual rigor and the timeless appeal of Socratic questioning.