416
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. But what is the meaning of the word κακόν which you used in many of your derivations?
Socrates
Socrates. By Zeus, I think it is a strange word and hard to understand; so I apply to it that contrivance of mine.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. What contrivance?
Socrates
Socrates. The claim of foreign origin, which I advance in this case as in those others.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Well, probably you are right. But, if you please, let us drop these words and try to discover the reasons for the words καλόν (beautiful, noble) and αἰσχρόν (base).
5
Socrates
Socrates. I think the meaning of αἰσχρόν is clear, and this also agrees with what has been said before. For the giver of names appears to me throughout to denounce that which hinders and restrains things from flowing, and in this instance he gave to that which always restrains the flow (ἀεὶ ἴσχει τὸν ῥοῦν) this name ἀεισχοροῦν, which is now compressed and pronounced αἰσχρόν.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. What about καλόν?
Socrates
Socrates. That is harder to understand, and yet it expresses its meaning: it has been altered merely in accent and in the length of the O.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. How is that?
Socrates
Socrates. I think this word denotes intellect.
10
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. What do you mean?
Socrates
Socrates. Why, what do you think is the cause why anything is called by a name? Is it not the power which gave the name?
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Why, certainly.
Socrates
Socrates. And is not that power the intellect either of gods or of men or both?
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes.
15
