200–201
Theaetetus
THEAET. As the case now stands, Socrates, we cannot help thinking as you say.
Socrates
SOC. To begin, then, at the beginning once more, what shall we say knowledge is? For surely we are not going to give it up yet, are we?
Theaetetus
THEAET. Not by any means, unless, that is, you give it up.
Socrates
SOC. Tell us, then, what definition will make us contradict ourselves least.
15
Theaetetus
THEAET. The one we tried before, Socrates; at any rate, I have nothing else to offer.
Theaetetus
THEAET. That knowledge is true opinion; for true opinion is surely free from error and all its results are fine and good.
Socrates
SOC. The man who was leading the way through the river, A man who was leading the way through a river was asked if the water was deep. He replied αὐτὸ δείξει, the event itself will show (i.e. you can find out by trying). The expression became proverbial. Theaetetus, said: The result itself will show; and so in this matter, if we go on with our search, perhaps the thing will turn up in our path and of itself reveal the object of our search; but if we stay still, we shall discover nothing.
Theaetetus
THEAET. You are right; let us go on with our investigation.
Socrates
SOC. Well, then, this at least calls for slight investigation; for you have a whole profession which declares that true opinion is not knowledge.
Theaetetus
THEAET. How so? What profession is it?