Answer of Menon--plurality of virtues, one belonging to each different class and condition. Sokrates enquires for the property common to all of them _ib._ Analogous cases cited--definitions of figure and colour 235 Importance at that time of bringing into conscious view, logical subordination and distinctions--Neither logic nor grammar had then been cast into system _ib._ Definition of virtue given by Menon: Sokrates pulls it to pieces 236 Menon complains that the conversation of Sokrates confounds him like an electric shock--Sokrates replies that he is himself in the same state of confusion and ignorance. He urges continuance of search by both 237 But how is the process of search available to any purpose? No man searches for what he already knows: and for what he does not know, it is useless to search, for he cannot tell when he has found it _ib._ Theory of reminiscence propounded by Sokrates--anterior immortality of the soul--what is called teaching is the revival and recognition of knowledge acquired in a former life, but forgotten _ib._ Illustration of this theory--knowledge may be revived by skilful questions in the mind of a man thoroughly untaught. Sokrates questions the slave of Menon 238 Enquiry taken up--Whether virtue is teachable? without determining what virtue is 239 Virtue is knowledge--no possessions, no attributes, either of mind or body, are good or profitable, except under the guidance of knowledge _ib._ Virtue, as being knowledge, must be teachable. Yet there are opposing reasons, showing that it cannot be teachable. No teachers of it can be found 239 Conversation of Sokrates with Anytus, who detests the Sophists, and affirms that any one of the leading politicians can teach virtue 240 Confused state of the discussion. No way of acquiring virtue is shown _ib._ Sokrates modifies his premisses--knowledge is not the only thing which guides to good results--right opinion will do the same _ib._ Right opinion cannot be relied on for staying in the mind, and can never give rational explanations, nor teach others--good practical statesmen receive right opinion by inspiration from the Gods 241 All the real virtue that there is, is communicated by special inspiration from the Gods 242 But what virtue itself is, remains unknown _ib._ Remarks on the dialogue. Proper order for examining the different topics, is pointed out by Sokrates _ib._ Mischief of debating ulterior and secondary questions when the fundamental notions and word are unsettled _ib._ Doctrine of Sokrates in the Menon--desire of good alleged to be universally felt--in what sense this is true 243 Sokrates requires knowledge as the principal condition of virtue, but does not determine knowledge, of what? 244 Subject of Menon; same as that of the Protagoras--diversity of handling--Plato is not anxious to settle a question and get rid of it 245