26–27
Socrates
Soc. No, because the multitude which springs up in the third class overpowers you and yet the infinite also comprised many classes, nevertheless, since they were sealed with the seal of the more and less, they were seen to be of one class.
Socrates
Soc. And the finite, again, did not contain many classes, nor were we disturbed about its natural unity.
15
Protarchus
Pro. Of course not.
Socrates
Soc. No, not at all. And as to the third class, understand that I mean every offspring of these two which comes into being as a result of the measures created by the cooperation of the finite.
Protarchus
Pro. I understand.
Socrates
Soc. But we said there was, in addition to three classes, a fourth to be investigated. Let us do that together. See whether you think that everything which comes into being must necessarily come into being through a cause.
Protarchus
Pro. Yes, I do; for how could it come into being apart from a cause?
20
Socrates
Soc. Does not the nature of that which makes or creates differ only in name from the cause, and may not the creative agent and the cause be properly considered one?
Socrates
Soc. And, again, we shall find that, on the same principle, that which is made or created differs in name only from that which comes into being, shall we not?
Protarchus
Pro. We shall.
Socrates
Soc. And the creative agent always naturally leads, and that which is created follows after it as it comes into being?
Protarchus
Pro. Certainly.
Socrates
Soc. Then the cause and that which is the servant of the cause for the purpose of generation are not the same.
5
Protarchus
Pro. Of course not.
