422
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. I think you are right.
Socrates
Socrates. Are, then, these words about which you are now asking elements, and must we henceforth investigate their correctness by some other method?
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Probably.
Socrates
Socrates. Yes, probably, Hermogenes; at any rate, all the previous words were traced back to these. But if this be true, as I think it is, come to my aid again and help me in the investigation, that I may not say anything foolish in declaring what principle must underlie the correctness of the earliest names.
5
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Go on, and I will help you to the best of my ability.
Socrates
Socrates. I think you agree with me that there is but one principle of correctness in all names, the earliest as well as the latest, and that none of them is any more a name than the rest.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Certainly.
Socrates
Socrates. Now the correctness of all the names we have discussed was based upon the intention of showing the nature of the things named.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes, of course.
10
Socrates
Socrates. And this principle of correctness must be present in all names, the earliest as well as the later ones, if they are really to be names.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Certainly.
Socrates
Socrates. But the later ones, apparently, were able to accomplish this by means of the earlier ones.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Evidently.
