Some of Socrates' assumptions about

VIRTUE & KNOWLEDGE:

 

A. Virtue includes virtuous action as well as virtuous character

 

B. Virtue requires knowledge of what virtue is, i.e., wisdom. (V --> K)

 

C. Knowledge of what virtue is, or wisdom, is sufficient for virtue itself. (K --> V)

 

D. Knowledge requires being able to give an account (a logos).

 

E. Only knowledge (or wisdom) can be taught. (Meno 87c)


An unanswered question:

Is virtue teachable?

If virtue is knowledge or wisdom (as Socrates presumes),

then the answer is yes.

However:

There is a problem with the assumption that it is teachable:

WHO are the teachers of virtue? The Sophists?

Anytus: "I don't think so"

(an opinion with which Socrates and Plato apparently agree).

Socrates says he has been unable to find a teacher of virtue.