241–242
Theaetetus
Theaet. It is plain that some such contention is necessary.
Stranger
Str. Yes, plain even to a blind man, as they say; for unless these statements are either disproved or accepted, no one who speaks about false words, or false opinion—whether images or likenesses or imitations or appearances—about the arts which have to do with them, can ever help being forced to contradict himself and make himself ridiculous.
Theaetetus
Theaet. Very true.
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Stranger
Str. And so we must take courage and attack our father’s theory here and now, or else, if any scruples prevent us from doing this, we must give the whole thing up.
Theaetetus
Theaet. But nothing in the world must prevent us.
Stranger
Str. Then I have a third little request to make of you.
Theaetetus
Theaet. You have only to utter it.
Stranger
Str. I said a while ago that I always have been too faint-hearted for the refutation of this theory, and so I am now.
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Theaetetus
Theaet. Yes, so you did.
Stranger
Str. I am afraid that on account of what I have said you will think I am mad because I have at once reversed my position. You see it is for your sake that I am going to undertake the refutation, if I succeed in it.
Theaetetus
Theaet. I certainly shall not think you are doing anything improper if you proceed to your refutation and proof; so go ahead boldly, so far as that is concerned.
Stranger
Str. Well, what would be a good beginning of a perilous argument? Ah, my boy, I believe the way we certainly must take is this.
Theaetetus
Theaet. What way?
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