244
Stranger
Str. Then since we are in perplexity, do you tell us plainly what you wish to designate when you say being. For it is clear that you have known this all along, whereas we formerly thought we knew, but are now perplexed. So first give us this information, that we may not think we understand what you say, when the exact opposite is the case.— If we speak in this way and make this request of them and of all who say that the universe is more than one, shall we, my boy, be doing anything improper?
Theaetetus
Theaet. Not in the least.
Stranger
Str. Well then, must we not, so far as we can, try to learn from those who say that the universe is one The Eleatic Zeno and his school. what they mean when they say being?
5
Theaetetus
Theaet. Of course we must.
Stranger
Str. Then let them answer this question: Do you say that one only is? We do, they will say; will they not?
Stranger
Str. Well then, do you give the name of being to anything?
Theaetetus
Theaet. Yes.
10
Stranger
Str. Is it what you call one, using two names for the same thing, or how is this?
Theaetetus
Theaet. What is their next answer, Stranger?
Stranger
Str. It is plain, Theaetetus, that he who maintains their theory will not find it the easiest thing in the world to reply to our present question or to any other.
Theaetetus
Theaet. Why not?
Stranger
Str. It is rather ridiculous to assert that two names exist when you assert that nothing exists but unity.
15
Theaetetus
Theaet. Of course it is.
Stranger
Str. And in general there would be no sense in accepting the statement that a name has any existence.
