Initiating Inquiry In Plato’s Meno

This article focuses on the first part of Meno’s paradox, i.e. on the problem of initiating inquiry. I argue that the Platonic concept of inquiry (ζήτησις), unlike our modern notion, encompasses a process of deep transformation at the intellectual, ethical, and desiderative levels. However, the Socratic elenchus alone is insufficient to initiate inquiry; recollection is needed as well.