SOPHIST by Plato - Complete text

Page 36

Str. Will you then forgive me, and, as your words imply, not be altogether displeased if I flinch a little from the grasp of such a sturdy argument?

Theaet. To be sure I will.

Str. I have a yet more urgent request to make.

Theaet. Which is - ?

Str. That you will promise not to regard me as a parricide.

Theaet. And why?

Str. Because, in self - defence, I must test the philosophy of my father Parmenides, and try to prove by main force, that in a certain sense not - being is, and that being, on the other hand, is not.

Theaet. Some attempt of the kind is clearly needed.

Str. Yes, a blind man, as they say, might see that, and, unless these questions are decided in one way or another, no one when he speaks false words, or false opinion, or idols, or images or imitations or appearances, or about the arts which are concerned with them; can avoid falling into ridiculous contradictions.

Theaet. Most true.

Str. And therefore I must venture to lay hands on my father's argument; for if I am to be over - scrupulous, I shall have to give the matter up.

Theaet. Nothing in the world should ever induce us to do so.

Str. I have a third little request which I wish to make.

Theaet. What is it?

Str. You heard me - say what - I have always felt and still feel - that I have no heart for this argument?

Theaet. I did.

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