Meno Idealism

Meno was written by Plato, an ancient philosopher who was the follower of idealism. In his works, the author defined the idea as something unreachable but, at the same time, the core of everything. In Meno, he presents a dialogue between Socrates and Meno, who are discussing a phenomenon of human virtue. They are contemplating about the meaning of being good and the possibility of getting such quality as goodness (Plato). This dialogue can be divided into several nominal parts with each supporting the main idea. Meno presents the main statement that it is impossible to gain virtue however far or close it seems to be.
First, a virtue is presented as something idealized. Socrates compares goodness to any other quality of a person, for example strength. In addition, he stops Meno from enumerating virtues by claiming that a virtue is an idea itself (Plato). Therefore, it leads a reader to the same conclusion: a virtue is ideal, so it cannot be reached. Led by the suggestive questions (which is a leitmotiv of the whole literary work), one may …show more content…
Meno by Plato is supposed to be the beginning of the conception of idealism. It is hard to fully understand Plato’s intentions due to the great difference between the modern and ancient periods of time. However, it is clear that abstract thinking is justified as it supports the concept of idealism. Undoubtedly, such phenomenon as a virtue cannot be properly embraced in the realization by a human being. The discussion of the nature of virtuousness may only provoke a conflict of different views. Nevertheless, Plato structured his ideas in a clear way, which helps the reader follow and understand the topic. The philosopher suggests a clear concept of a virtue as an unattainable abstraction. The peculiarity of this work is that it appeals to conscience and contemplation of the