In Response To Meno Socrates Meaning

Philosophy Midterm Paper Being compared to a torpedo fish may seem like an insult, but in Socrates’ case, it is nothing but a compliment because of the actions behind it. Socrates is known for his questioning and critical thinking abilities that might give him this nickname. Meno, frustrated by Socrates extreme questioning, says, “Indeed if a joke is in order, you seem, in appearance and in every other way, to be like the broad torpedo fish, for it too makes anyone who comes close and touches it feel numb, and now you seem to have had that kind of effect on me, for both my mind and my tongue are numb, and I have no answer to give you.” (Plato 81). Socrates has “numbed” Meno’s mind and essentially made him feel stupid. “In response to Meno, Socrates says he is willing to accept the torpedo-fish simile so long as it is true that the torpedo fish numbs not only other fish but also itself. “I myself do not have the answer when I perplex others,” he
Through his constant questioning, torpedo fishing, and gadfly-like behavior, his intentions all were pure, and his actions helped the city to be active and to realize what they don’t know and begin to search for it. Socrates was not a bad person, he acted the way he did because he thought that was the way he should act. “For Socrates, the science of good and bad is simply the science of what condition is naturally, objectively, and actually the ideal condition for a human being.” (Ibid, 171). (Graham 40). So, when he acted like a torpedo fish, it was because morally, he thought that was the right choice. His accomplishments with his torpedo fishing led to great philosophers following his example, including Martin Luther King Jr. Torpedo fishing people is a good way for everyone in the city to stay active and not become sluggish or ignorant of the issues going on around them. If more people acted as Socrates,