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.