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PlatoTheaetetus
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Index of Terms
Aporia
Aporia is Greek term meaning puzzlement or perplexation. It is the goal of Socratic dialogue, to lead the individual to a state of doubt regarding previously established truths and wisdom.
A Priori
A priori is commonly contrasted with a posteriori. While a posteriori knowledge is “based solely on experience or personal observation,” a priori knowledge stems from “reasoning based on self-evident truths […] for example, ‘Every mother has had a child.’” (“A priori.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20priori.)
Being
In the context of Theaetetus, being is equivalent to the essence or essential nature of something.
Dikasts
Dikasts were jurors who were chosen by lot in Ancient Athens to determine the outcome of criminal and civil cases.
Epistemology
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of knowledge and how knowledge is established. Though the term is not used in Theaetetus, this is the area of philosophy with which the text is associated.
Judgment
In Theaetetus a judgment is a linguistic claim or statement. For example, “Socrates is wise.”
Knowledge
Knowledge is the focus of the text, the thing that Socrates and Theaetetus are trying to define.
Otium
Otium is leisure in Greek. More precisely, it refers to a contemplative life spent away from busyness and distractions.
Socratic Method (Elenctic Method)
The philosophical method employed by Socrates in Theaetetus has come to be known as the Socratic method, in which the teacher engages the student in a discussion of questions and responses, progressing toward increasingly more sound ideas or theories.
Related Titles
By Plato
