Theaetetus by Plato (391)
The dialogue explores the nature of knowledge and reality through a conversation between Socrates and Theaetetus. They discuss various definitions of knowledge, including perception, opinion, and memory, ultimately concluding that none of these provide a satisfactory definition. Socrates argues that true knowledge requires an understanding of the underlying reality, which is not accessible through sensory experience or reasoning alone. He suggests that knowledge may be based on eternal and unchanging Forms or Ideas, rather than fleeting physical phenomena. The dialogue raises questions about the relationship between perception, opinion, and knowledge, and whether it's possible to have certain knowledge at all.
By Plato · First published 391 · Genre: Philosophy, Socratic Dialogue, Metaphysics · 48,451 words
First lines
Persons of the dialogue: Socrates Theodorus Theaetetus
Euclid and Terpsion meet in front of Euclid's house in Megara; they enter the house, and the dialogue is read to them by a servant.
What this Textopian page supports
Theaetetus is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plato, dated 391 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Plato
- Date: 391 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Socratic Dialogue, Metaphysics, Educational, Classical Literature
- Length: 48,451 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1,031 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Theaetetus by Plato
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Theaetetus?
- How does this essay by Plato fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Philosophy — The text primarily explores epistemological themes, questioning the nature of knowledge and perception.
- Socratic Dialogue — The work is structured as a dialogue, characteristic of Socratic method, focusing on inquiry and discussion.
- Metaphysics — It delves into the nature of reality and existence, particularly concerning knowledge and its relation to the world.
- Educational — The dialogue serves as a pedagogical tool, aiming to educate readers on philosophical concepts.
Tags
Philosophy · Socratic Method · Knowledge · Reality · Appearance · Perception · Epistemology · Metaphysics · Dialectic · Dialogue · Ancient Greek Philosophy · Platonic Theory