History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 029 - What's in a Name? - Plato's Cratylus
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Apr 18, 2011 AI Snips
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Meaning of Words
- Words derive meaning from nature or convention.
- Socrates debates this in Plato's Cratylus dialogue.
Words as Tools
- Socrates argues words are like tools, serving specific functions.
- A word's function is to mean a certain thing, not just any random sound.
Etymology Examples
- Socrates uses etymologies to show words reveal the nature of things.
- He suggests "Hector" means "holder" because Hector protected Troy.