Plato, Cratylus, section 416a

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[416a]

Hermogenes
But what is the meaning of the word κακόν which you used in many of your derivations?

Socrates
By Zeus, I think it is a strange word and hard to understand; so I apply to it that contrivance of mine.

Hermogenes
What contrivance?

Socrates
The claim of foreign origin, which I advance in this case as in those others.

Hermogenes
Well, probably you are right. But, if you please, let us drop these words and try to discover the reasons for the words καλόν (beautiful, noble) and αἰσχρόν (base).

Socrates
I think the meaning of αἰσχρόν is clear,

Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vol. 12 translated by Harold N. Fowler. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1921.

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