Sophist by Plato. - HTML preview

102

Sophist – Plato

THEAETETUS: They certainly would not.

STRANGER: But they are not; for that was shown to be impossible.

STRANGER: But they are willing.

THEAETETUS: Impossible, of course.

THEAETETUS: Yes, they are.

STRANGER: Then the Sophist has been shown STRANGER: Yes, and the reason, as I should imag-to have a sort of conjectural or apparent knowl-ine, is that they are supposed to have knowledge edge only of all things, which is not the truth?

of those things about which they dispute?

THEAETETUS: Exactly; no better description of THEAETETUS: Certainly.

him could be given.

STRANGER: And they dispute about all things?

STRANGER: Let us now take an illustration, which will still more clearly explain his nature.

THEAETETUS: True.

THEAETETUS: What is it?

STRANGER: And therefore, to their disciples, they appear to be all-wise?

STRANGER: I will tell you, and you shall answer me, giving your very closest attention. Suppose THEAETETUS: Certainly.

that a person were to profess, not that he could speak or dispute, but that he knew how to make 103

Sophist – Plato

and do all things, by a single art.

STRANGER: Yes; and I say that he is also the maker of the sea, and the earth, and the heav-THEAETETUS: All things?

ens, and the gods, and of all other things; and, further, that he can make them in no time, and STRANGER: I see that you do not understand sell them for a few pence.

the first word that I utter, for you do not understand the meaning of ‘all.’

THEAETETUS: That must be a jest.

THEAETETUS: No, I do not.

STRANGER: And when a man says that he knows all things, and can teach them to another at a STRANGER: Under all things, I include you and small cost, and in a short time, is not that a jest?

me, and also animals and trees.

THEAETETUS: Certainly.

THEAETETUS: What do you mean?

STRANGER: And is there any more artistic or STRANGER: Suppose a person to say that he will graceful form of jest than imitation?

make you and me, and all creatures.

THEAETETUS: Certainly not; and imitation is a THEAETETUS: What would he mean by ‘mak-very comprehensive term, which includes under ing’? He cannot be a husbandman;—for you said one class the most diverse sorts of things.

that he is a maker of animals.