5

The Question Concerning the Possibility of the ψευδὴς δόξα



Socrates proposes inquiring into the distorted view. The investigation of the ψευδὴς δόξα begins at 187 c 5 and ends at 200 d, proceeding in two stages, a preliminary and a main investigation. This is followed by a discussion of the ἀληθὴς δόξα (200 d to 201 e). Disproportionately greater space is thus devoted to the distorted view. Yet if the dialogue concerns the essence of knowledge, and if this is to be understood as the possession of truth, then the true view should be the proper topic. For this reason people have always wondered why Plato does not discuss the 'true view' at greater length, especially since, at the end, Socrates says that the 'distorted view' cannot be apprehended in its essence until the essence of the true view is grasped. Just why, despite all this, the ψευδὴς δόξα is treated first, and at such great length, just why it occupies the greatest thematic space in the entire dialogue, all this is very puzzling.


A. Preparatory Investigation:
Impossibility of the Phenomenon of the ψευδὴς δόξα

§ 39. The Horizon of the Preparatory Investigation as Excluding in Advance the Possibility of a ψευδὴς δόξα


The oddity of this whole section concerning the ψευδὴς δόξα increases if we take note of how this investigation sets out and the direction in which it proceeds. The discussion seeks to impress upon Theaetetus just how


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