Socrates And Meno: The Definition Of Virtue

Virtue is defined in many ways. Some say that it comes from the Latin word ‘virtus’, meaning virtue or courage, which comes from the other Latin word ‘vir’, which means man, meaning that virtue is the qualities of a man, such as courage. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines virtue as, “conformity to a standard of right [and/or] a particular moral excellence” (Merriam-Webster 899). With all these definitions floating around, it is hard to determine what virtues really is and what it really means to have virtue. In Plato’s Meno, Socrates and Meno discuss the definition of virtue and whether it can be taught. They conclude that virtue cannot be taught, “that virtue comes to the virtuous [(those who possess virtue)] by the gift of God” (Plato

God gave us his word and teachings through the Bible. There you can find all things that are virtuous, and it commands us to dwell upon these things in Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. (NKJV Phil. 4:8)

Here God is telling us to “meditate” on all things that are good and virtuous and describes what is good and virtuous. (NKJV Phil. 4:8). These things God gave to us, for everything comes from

While a student of virtue may well know what virtue is and has seen virtue practiced in the lives of others, they can still choose to deny those teachings and “go [their] own way”, as the song goes, or be tempted by the world and be led astray (Fleetwood Mac). But the Bible reminds us to “remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (NKJV Heb. 13:7). Here the Bible is telling the student to remember the teachings of their parents and how their parents’ actions affected the lives they lived, and if the student, the child, was taught as the Bible would have them be taught, then they will remember how their parents lived in virtue, and the impact it had on their lives, which was good, for the Bible says in Philippians, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (NKJV Phil. 4:9). In conclusion, virtue is a gift given by God that is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy; virtue can be taught by parents, through the Bible and example; and it is up to the student of virtue to choose virtue over the things of the world. Of the many things this world needs more of, virtue is one of the most needed. If all parents would teach their children about virtue and show them how to live in virtue,