203
Socrates
SOC. Let us, then, take them up and examine them, or rather, let us examine ourselves and see whether it was in accordance with this theory, or not, that we learned letters. First then, the syllables have a rational explanation, but the letters have not?
Theaetetus
THEAET. I suppose so.
Socrates
SOC. I think so, too, decidedly. Now if anyone should ask about the first syllable of Socrates; Theaetetus, tell me, what is SO? What would you reply?
Theaetetus
THEAET. I should say S and O.
Socrates
SOC. This, then, is your explanation of the syllable?
5
Socrates
SOC. Come now, in the same manner give me the explanation of the S.
Theaetetus
THEAET. How can one give any elements of an element? For really, Socrates, the S is a voiceless letter, The distinction here made is that which we make between vowels and consonants. The seven Greek vowels are α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, ω called φωνήεντα. a mere noise, as of the tongue hissing; B again has neither voice nor noise, nor have most of the other letters; and so it is quite right to say that they have no explanation, seeing that the most distinct of them, the seven vowels, have only voice, but no explanation whatsoever.
Socrates
SOC. In this point, then, my friend, it would seem that we have reached a right conclusion about knowledge.
Theaetetus
THEAET. I think we have.
10
Socrates
SOC. But have we been right in laying down the principle that whereas the letter is unknowable, yet the syllable is knowable?
Theaetetus
THEAET. Probably.
