PLATO, <i>SOPHIST</i> 259C7–D7: CONTRARY PREDICATION AND GENUINE REFUTATION

Abstract This paper defends an interpretation of Plato, Soph . 259c7–d7, which describes a distinction between genuine and pretender forms ‘examination’ or ‘refutation’ ( ἔλεγχος ). The passage speaks to need, throughout the dialogue, differentiate truly philosophical method from merely eristic method. But its contribution has been obscured by appearance textual problem at 259c7–8. As result, scholars have largely not recognized that Eleatic Stranger recommends accepting contrary predication as condition refutation. After reviewing various proposals change text, this reading. Finally, turns methodological significance predication. dialogue depicts instance class statements compel soul's disbelief. 259c7–d7 suggests these kinds are crossroad: one can either reject them turn discourse accept practise reflects on what indicates about Plato's meditations contradiction philosophy.