SOCRATES: Had I the command of you as well as when you apply it to the given line, i.e. the diam-of myself, Meno, I would not have enquired eter of the circle (autou).), the given area of the whether virtue is given by instruction or not, until triangle falls short by an area corresponding to we had first ascertained ‘what it is.’ But as you the part produced (Or, similar to the area so ap-think only of controlling me who am your slave, plied.), then one consequence follows, and if this and never of controlling yourself,—such being is impossible then some other; and therefore I your notion of freedom, I must yield to you, for wish to assume a hypothesis before I tell you you are irresistible. And therefore I have now to whether this triangle is capable of being inscribed enquire into the qualities of a thing of which I do in the circle’:—that is a geometrical hypothesis.
not as yet know the nature. At any rate, will you And we too, as we know not the nature and quali-condescend a little, and allow the question ties of virtue, must ask, whether virtue is or is
‘Whether virtue is given by instruction, or in not taught, under a hypothesis: as thus, if virtue any other way,’ to be argued upon hypothesis?
is of such a class of mental goods, will it be taught As the geometrician, when he is asked whether or not? Let the first hypothesis be that virtue is a certain triangle is capable being inscribed in a or is not knowledge,—in that case will it be taught certain circle (Or, whether a certain area is ca-or not? or, as we were just now saying, ‘remem-pable of being inscribed as a triangle in a certain bered’? For there is no use in disputing about circle.), will reply: ‘I cannot tell you as yet; but I the name. But is virtue taught or not? or rather, will offer a hypothesis which may assist us in does not every one see that knowledge alone is forming a conclusion: If the figure be such that taught?
when you have produced a given side of it (Or, MENO: I agree.