 Socrates seems to inquire after virtue as if it were, or at least resembled, techne, the expert knowledge of living well, or the expert knowledge of care for the soul. If so, this knowledge could be taught and learned. Yet Socrates has grave doubts as to whether virtue can be taught (Protagoras 319a, ff.), and he may be using this analogy of virtue to techne strategically in refuting those who claim to teach virtue.