196
Socrates
SOC. Then we must show that forming false opinion is something or other different from the interchange of thought and perception. For if it were that, we should never be deceived in abstract thoughts. But as the case now stands, either there is no false opinion or it is possible for a man not to know that which he knows. Which alternative will you choose?
Theaetetus
THEAET. There is no possible choice, Socrates.
Socrates
SOC. And yet the argument is not likely to admit both. But still, since we must not shrink from any risk, what if we should try to do a shameless deed?
Theaetetus
THEAET. What is it?
10
Socrates
SOC. To undertake to tell what it really is to know.
Theaetetus
THEAET. And why is that shameless?
Socrates
SOC. You seem not to remember that our whole talk from the beginning has been a search for knowledge, because we did not know what it is.
Theaetetus
THEAET. Oh yes, I remember.
Socrates
SOC. Then is it not shameless to proclaim what it is to know, when we are ignorant of knowledge? But really, Theaetetus, our talk has been badly tainted with unclearness all along; for we have said over and over again we know and we do not know and we have knowledge and we have no knowledge, as if we could understand each other, while we were still ignorant of knowledge; and at this very moment, if you please, we have again used the terms be ignorant and understand, as though we had any right to use them if we are deprived of knowledge.
15
Theaetetus
THEAET. But how will you converse, Socrates, if you refrain from these words?
