Bashar philosophy

Week 5: Plato on Virtue and Education

In Meno, Plato asks whether learning is actually a kind of recollection, i.e., remembering something the soul already knows.
In Phaedo, he connects this idea to a bigger claim that the soul exists beyond the body and may already have access to “truth.”

Do you think real learning is mostly about gaining new information, or about uncovering something deeper that was already in you like insight, awareness, or wisdom? It might help to give real life examples to explain your thoughts on this.

Example 1

Platos theory shows that authentic learning needs students to develop their existing understanding through education. The actual process of learning combines two elements which entail students to learn fresh material while they discover more profound knowledge. A musician who learns scales will acquire new skills but later will use his ability to express emotions through music as if it had always been part of him. People who think about ethical problems will study ethical principles but will end up using their personal moral beliefs to make judgments. Education develops mental abilities but people achieve wisdom through life experiences which require them to question their surroundings and think deeply.

example 2

I think that learning is mostly about gaining new information, like learning about history or math for the first time. But I do that in learning new things that you will uncover something that was already in you, a good example would be someone who didn’t like working out until discovering a new method which they did not know of, now they do it multiple times a week. The same could be said for someone who gets so deep into studying a topic that they realize that they want to become a teacher of said topic. For myself an example would be philosophy, such an topic was mentioned in the text for this week too, in learning more about philosophy across my life it is something I take an interest in a like a lot. Learning can awaking things like insight, or common sense but for the most part I personally believe that learning things is mostly about gaining new information that our brains were not aware of.

Example 3

The recording We Don’t Need No Education: Plato’s Meno explains how humans may possess traits of virtue. An important question that is posed is, are we born with these traits, or are they taught to us? First off, I would say that they are learned traits because they are not universal, especially when we look at other cultures and societies. What is very interesting is the idea that we are born with these traits because we learned them before our current life. I do believe that there is some truth to this. However, I believed that it could change based on one’s own worldview and experiences.

The knowledge that we are born with is much like animals’, such as the need to eat, drink, and breathe. These are all necessary for survival. However, manners and politeness are not. They are learned skills. According to Plato, a lot of what we learn comes from asking questions. He does explain that language is hardwired into our brains. Plato points out that a true belief is somewhat similar to knowledge, but it is not without its faults. For example, having a true deep belief in God and religion would be a good example. We dont know for certain, but we rely on our belief. I also believe that Plato may be alluding to reincarnation. Since our beliefs come from before us. His teachings on this make you ponder and consider your beliefs.

Music is a gift that many possess with this knowledge. It comes from somewhere deep in someone’s soul. I remember watching a video from Charlie Puth where he explains how music is seen in his mind and not heard. He sees patterns and notes in a way that is different from the rest of us. What is so interesting is that this knowledge has to come from somewhere. Which backs up Plato’s theory.

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Week 5: Plato on Virtue and Education

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