Philosophy

" (Plato 80E) This theory of .
             recollection may explain why we often say that we had certain knowledge before we leaned it or heard it for the first .
             time. It is often said that we are born with concepts and it is these concepts that structure our minds, beliefs, and .
             actions. .
             "In his dialogue entitled the Meno, Plato illustrates how Socrates is able to show that even a young uneducated slave .
             boy knows some truths of geometry not because somebody taught him that subject but because be naturally knows .
             the relationship of various ideas to each other." (Stumpf 260) This quote illustrates how Socrates thought that the .
             uneducated boy knew geometry. He recollected it from his soul. In the Meno, Socrates states that the boy is .
             "recovering by oneself knowledge within oneself." (Plato 85D) Knowledge in the Meno is perceived as having an .
             acquaintance with the object, but not knowing how it functions. Socrates states here that true knowledge is that is .
             learned. Once learned, we remember that knowledge and apply it when needed. This can be done through .
             recollection or memory. As an occasion arises that requires the use of this knowledge, we can use the abilities of our .
             mind and recollect the knowledge for the circumstance. .
             I interpret Socrates to mean that I was born with a knowledge of right and wrong, but I needed to experience .
             situations where I needed to recall this knowledge. He makes reference to the initial knowledge being in the soul. .
             Hume is the second philosopher I will discuss. Hume's beliefs are different from Socrates. Hume believes that we .
             were born knowing nothing, and everything is learned. He feels that as we grow, we learn the difference between .
             right and wrong from our experiences. The present comes from the senses and the past is in our memory. Hume .
             shows how knowledge begins form the experiences we encounter through our five senses. .
             It is said of Hume " it is the use he makes of the principle or the association of ideas, which enters into most of his .