 The philosophical puzzle of the elenchus is to see how it could lead to any firm result, if its premises have no authority beyond the partner’s agreement. Perhaps the method can do no more than convict a partner of confusion (as Hugh Benson has contended), but Vlastos has argued persuasively that elenchus in fact supports Socrates’ ethical doctrine: Socrates believes he has grounds for clinging to beliefs of his that have been well tested and not refuted.