Books of Titans Podcast #264 - Theaetetus by Plato
Oct 17, 2025
Dive into a philosophical journey as Socrates questions what knowledge truly is in dialogue with Theaetetus. Discover the complexities of perception as knowledge and the pitfalls of relativism. Explore Socrates' critique of Protagoras and his insight that true knowledge requires correct judgment. The impact of memory on learning takes center stage, likening it to a wax tablet. Ultimately, gain practical insights on how reading enriches mental impressions and retains vital ideas.
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Knowledge Is Not Just Perception
- Plato's dialogue shows knowledge is not mere perception because perceptions vary between people.
- Socrates narrows possibilities by rejecting perception and simple true judgment but leaves knowledge undefined.
Philosophy Trains Through Refutation
- Plato's dialogues often dismantle proposed answers, forcing the reader to start over.
- This iterative 'scratch that' approach trains critical thinking rather than delivering tidy definitions.
Perception Versus Judgment
- Socrates separates perception from judgment and insists on true judgment for knowledge.
- He refines knowledge to correct judgment plus awareness of differences, but then discards that too.
