Virtue in the Cave by Roslyn Weiss
Virtue in the Cave is a study of Plato's Meno. Taking the dialogue's central theme to be the question of what virtue is, this book explores the limits of moral inquiry. It argues that, unlike mathematical problems that can be resolved definitively, and unlike technical enterprises whose success can be objectively assessed, moral matters can be only tentatively settled by reasoned argument—at least in the material world to which we all are confined. Whereas Meno is not satisfied with an inquiry whose final result falls short of knowledge, Socrates sees value in joint moral investigation that culminates in true opinion. This study attends closely to the literary aspects of the dialogue and to its rhetorical nuances, raising doubts about Socrates' allegiance to the metaphysical doctrines—transmigration of souls and the theory of recollection—that he himself introduces. It suggests that Socrates tailors these notions specifically to Meno, in order to encourage him to pursue doggedly the inquiry into virtue, an inquiry he is all too prepared to abandon when the going gets rough.
Virtue in the Cave advances a distinctive, original, and provocative account of Plato's Meno-- J. Dybikowski, University of British Columbia
Virtue in the Cave is a groundbreaking book that deserves careful reading and reflection, and will stimulate much fruitful discussion. -- Mary Louise Gill, Brown University
Like Weiss's earlier Socrates Dissatisfied (1998), this volume challenges some of the orthodoxies of Anglo-American Plato scholarship. It is holistic, clear, and coherent. Unlike many other practitioners of the Socratic philosophy approach to Plato's dialogues, Weiss is also sensitive to literary and dramatic nuance. -- Gerald A. Press, Hunter College; CUNY Graduate Center
Weiss persuades me that the slave boy story is designed to be attractive to Meno, who wants virtue to be teachable. -- Kenneth C. Blanchard, Jr., 2010 * The Journal Of The Review Of Politics *
This is an excellent book which must be read by everyone with a serious interest in Plato. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Virtue in the Cave is a groundbreaking book that deserves careful reading and reflection, and will stimulate much fruitful discussion. -- Mary Louise Gill, Brown University
Like Weiss's earlier Socrates Dissatisfied (1998), this volume challenges some of the orthodoxies of Anglo-American Plato scholarship. It is holistic, clear, and coherent. Unlike many other practitioners of the Socratic philosophy approach to Plato's dialogues, Weiss is also sensitive to literary and dramatic nuance. -- Gerald A. Press, Hunter College; CUNY Graduate Center
Weiss persuades me that the slave boy story is designed to be attractive to Meno, who wants virtue to be teachable. -- Kenneth C. Blanchard, Jr., 2010 * The Journal Of The Review Of Politics *
This is an excellent book which must be read by everyone with a serious interest in Plato. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Roslyn Weiss is Clara H. Stewardson Professor and Chair at Lehigh University.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780739132180 |
| ISBN 10 | 0739132180 |
| Title | Virtue in the Cave |
| Author | Roslyn Weiss |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Lexington Books |
| Year published | 2008-09-24 |
| Number of pages | 240 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |