The theory of recollection leads to the question of "what is virtue and can it be taught?" Recollection claims that inquiry can sometimes be impossible, but what is seen to be learning is in fact the recollection of something previously known. It is important to differentiate between true belief and knowledge. In The Meno, for Meno, knowledge is or is not and for Socrates it always is. .
Meno would like Socrates to enlighten him about if virtue can be taught or not. In order to understand recollection, Socrates and Meno play a game of questions and answers. Socrates answers all Meno's questions. By doing so, Meno gets perplex and forces us to think. To defend the theory of recollection Socrates uses many examples such as the geometry problem with the slave boy. With each wrong answer from the boy, Socrates proceeds to lead Meno to the correct conclusion. At the end of the problem, the slave boy knows enough to not be reminded. This exercise proves that the exercise can be recalled. He has a general sense of equality and has acquired his true opinions through recollection. Meno is finally convinced of Socrates theory. Following the geometry exercise, Socrates discusses the right use of virtue: "If then virtue is something in the soul and it must be beneficial must be a kind of wisdom" (p38). This implies that knowledge is beneficial.
Socrates" defense is not successful. Neither Meno, nor him have found the true meaning of virtue. His conclusions are not logical. He has enlightened Meno by teaching him that he does not know the nature of virtue. After all this reasoning, Socrates differentiates true opinion with knowledge. Knowledge is stable whereas opinions can change or be influenced.
