It is difficult to understand what virtue truly is and if everyone is born with it and if it develops over time. Plato brings this question to the forefront in Protagoras and Meno. During a particular discussion, Socrates questions Protagoras on whether virtue can truthfully be taught. Protagoras then provides admirable evidence proving that virtue can be educated to all human beings. Protagoras does this by providing a number of examples backing up his beliefs. Through the use of punishment both in correctional facilities as well as in society virtue is taught to those being punished. Throughout ones childhood, in their home lives, educational institutes, and society virtue is instilled in people. Lastly, all individuals, whether they show
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Protagoras claims that “right from when they’re small children, and through they’re lives, they teach them and set them straight” (26). Children are taught at an extremely young age what is good and what is bad. Their parents do not only teach them to be virtuous; grandparents, siblings and others may also teach them as well. This point is exceptionally valid; throughout one’s life the teaching of how to act accordingly in all settings in society is continually taking place by all members in a …show more content…
Protagoras does this by using examples in everyday society. He begins with punishment and how society does not seek to only punish people who are not virtuous; punishment is also there to provide education and growth to those who have done wrong. Along with punishment, Protagoras discusses that people are educated throughout all phases of ones life on how to act virtuous. Parents, Teachers and society all provide education on how to be virtuous. Finally, Protagoras uses Socrates example and effectively shows that everyone has some sort of virtue in himself or herself, although it may be more evident in some and not in others. Through these three main arguments Protagoras does an exceptional job showing that virtue can be taught to everyone over
Protagoras claims that “right from when they’re small children, and through they’re lives, they teach them and set them straight” (26). Children are taught at an extremely young age what is good and what is bad. Their parents do not only teach them to be virtuous; grandparents, siblings and others may also teach them as well. This point is exceptionally valid; throughout one’s life the teaching of how to act accordingly in all settings in society is continually taking place by all members in a …show more content…
Protagoras does this by using examples in everyday society. He begins with punishment and how society does not seek to only punish people who are not virtuous; punishment is also there to provide education and growth to those who have done wrong. Along with punishment, Protagoras discusses that people are educated throughout all phases of ones life on how to act virtuous. Parents, Teachers and society all provide education on how to be virtuous. Finally, Protagoras uses Socrates example and effectively shows that everyone has some sort of virtue in himself or herself, although it may be more evident in some and not in others. Through these three main arguments Protagoras does an exceptional job showing that virtue can be taught to everyone over