[422d]
Socrates
Now the correctness of all the names we have discussed was based upon the intention of showing the nature of the things named.Hermogenes
Yes, of course.Socrates
And this principle of correctness must be present in all names, the earliest as well as the later ones, if they are really to be names.Hermogenes
Certainly.Socrates
But the later ones, apparently, were able to accomplish this by means of the earlier ones.Hermogenes
Evidently.Socrates
Well, then, how can the earliest names, which are not as yet based upon any others, make clear to us the nature of things, so far as that is possible,
Now the correctness of all the names we have discussed was based upon the intention of showing the nature of the things named.Hermogenes
Yes, of course.Socrates
And this principle of correctness must be present in all names, the earliest as well as the later ones, if they are really to be names.Hermogenes
Certainly.Socrates
But the later ones, apparently, were able to accomplish this by means of the earlier ones.Hermogenes
Evidently.Socrates
Well, then, how can the earliest names, which are not as yet based upon any others, make clear to us the nature of things, so far as that is possible,