Plato's Theory of Recollection reconsidered an interpretation of Meno 80a?86c

Recollection, Myth, Virtue and Method in Plato’s Meno

“…Other scholars, on the contrary, argue that the theory of recollection is introduced neither to solve the paradox in a serious way nor to give an answer to Meno's sophistic dilemma. See for example Ebert (1973), Rohatyn (1980), Jenks (1992), Weiss (2001) and Scott (2006).…”

Peers on Socrates and Plato

“…What Socrates' method results in is like recollection, not an example of it. Even so, Socrates mischievously pretends to believe that the Boy must have known the theorem before he was born (81b-d, 85c, and 86a-b; and see Leibniz, 1765, p. 77;Ebert, 1973), and even suggests that all learning is really recollection (81d, cf. Phaedo, 72e-77a).…”

Good Beliefs, Bad Arguments: Pragmatic Reasons in Plato's Dialogues

“…I have adopted the more literal translation in order to show the strength with which Socrates is willing to maintain the pragmatic claim. 23 Many scholars notice that Socrates only appears willing to fight for the pragmatic reason: Gulley (1962Gulley ( [2013) I.2.g, Klein (1965) 1824, Ebert (1973) 164, Sharples (1985) 1567, Brumbaugh (1990) 300, Umphrey (1990) 21, Woodruff (1990) 82; Fine (1992) 214; Scott (2006) 1212; Weiss (2001) 1226; Ionescu (2007) 24, 48; and Bluck (1961[2010) 318. 24 Below I discuss Bluck (1961Bluck ( [2010) 318, Fine (1992) 214, andSharples (1985) 1567.…”

“…26 Weiss (2001) 124 is, as far as I know the only person to argue extensively for this view. Others who have thought, in passing, that Socrates means to disclaim the theory of recollection in some capacity include: Gulley (1962) [2013]) I.2.g, Ebert (1973) 164, Umphrey (1990) 21, andWoodruff (1990) 82. 27 Bluck (1961Bluck ( [2010) 3189, Fine (1992) 214, andSharples (1985) 1567.…”

“…64. She cites others (n.36) who have thought this suspicious:Ebert (1973) 177;Rohatyn (1980) 71;Ryle (1976) 9; andBrumbaugh (1990) 300. See alsoWeiss (2001) 6971, where she discusses the "slipshod presentation of the myth".…”