Plato : HIPPIAS (minor) Persons of the dialogue: Eudicus - Socrates - Hippias Translated by Benjamin Jowett - 19 Pages - Greek fonts Search Plato's works / Plato Anthology / The Greek Word Library = Note by Elpenor

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19 Pages

Page 5

Socr.: Then a man who has not the power of speaking falsely and is ignorant cannot be false?

Hipp.: You are right.

Socr.: And every man has power who does that which he wishes at the time when he wishes. I am not speaking of any special case in which he is prevented by disease or something of that sort, but I am speaking generally, as I might say of you, that you are able to write my name when you like. Would you not call a man able who could do that?

Hipp.: Yes.

Socr.: And tell me, Hippias, are you not a skilful calculator and arithmetician?

Hipp.: Yes, Socrates, assuredly I am.

Socr.: And if some one were to ask you what is the sum of 3 multiplied by 700, you would tell him the true answer in a moment, if you pleased?

Hipp.: certainly I should.

Socr.: Is not that because you are the wisest and ablest of men in these matters?

Hipp.: Yes.

Socr.: And being as you are the wisest and ablest of men in these matters of calculation, are you not also the best?

Hipp.: To be sure, Socrates, I am the best.

Socr.: And therefore you would be the most able to tell the truth about these matters, would you not?

Hipp.: Yes, I should.

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