The Method of Investigation in Plato’s Meno

Abstract In this article, I challenge the prevalent view that the Meno represents a transitional work in which Plato begins to introduce a new method of investigation, the method of hypothesis, as an alternative way of investigation. I analyze and compare several cases where Socrates facilitates an individual’s investigation into a particular subject, which includes Socrates and Meno’s discussion on the nature of virtue, their discussion on the definition of shape, the slave demonstration, showing that these cases share a very similar structure in terms of how Socrates guides the participants to reach a conclusion or understanding of the matter under investigation. I argue that the method of hypothesis is essentially the formal description of the method of elenchus. This is demonstrated through an examination of how Socrates helps Meno progress in defining virtue using the method of elenchus, a process that exhibits a structure akin to the method of hypothesis.