Thesauros Literature Philosophy Κρατύλος

Κρατύλος

Κρατύλος Plato
401 Hermogenes. By Zeus, I think that is no more easy question than the other.
401 Socrates. At any rate, my dear Hermogenes, the first men who gave names were no ordinary persons, but high thinkers and great talkers.
401 Hermogenes. What then?
401 Socrates. I am sure the names were given by men of that kind; and if foreign names are examined, the meaning of each of them is equally evident. Take, for instance, that which we call οὐσία (reality, essence); some people call it ἐσσία, and still others ὠσία. First, then, in connection with the second of these forms, it is reasonable that the essence of things be called Hestia; and moreover, because we ourselves say of that which partakes of reality it is, (ἔστιν), the name Hestia would be correct in this connection also; for apparently we also called οὐσία (reality) ἐσσία in ancient times. And besides, if you consider it in connection with sacrifices, you would come to the conclusion that those who established them understood the name in that way; for those who called the essence of things ἐσσία would naturally sacrifice to Hestia first of all the gods. Those on the other hand, who say ὠσία would agree, well enough with Heracleitus that all things move and nothing remains still. So they would say the cause and ruler of things was the pushing power (ὠθοῦν), wherefore it had been rightly named ὠσία. But enough of this, considering that we know nothing. After Hestia it is right to consider Rhea and Cronus. The name of Cronus, however, has already been discussed. But perhaps I am talking nonsense.
401 Hermogenes. Why, Socrates?
401 Socrates. My friend, I have thought of a swarm of wisdom.
401 Hermogenes. What is it?
402 Socrates. It sounds absurd, but I think there is some probability in it.
402 Hermogenes. What is this probability?
402 Socrates. I seem to have a vision of Heracleitus saying some ancient words of wisdom as old as the reign of Cronus and Rhea, which Homer said too.
402 Hermogenes. What do you mean by that?

nav.navigate

nav.identity

common.settings

common.language
TR EN
common.theme