[436b]
and examines into the meaning of each one runs great risks of being deceived?Cratylus
How so?Socrates
Clearly he who first gave names, gave such names as agreed with his conception of the nature of things. That is our view, is it not?Cratylus
Yes.Socrates
Then if his conception was incorrect, and he gave the names according to his conception, what do you suppose will happen to us who follow him? Can we help being deceived?Cratylus
But, Socrates, surely that is not the case.
How so?Socrates
Clearly he who first gave names, gave such names as agreed with his conception of the nature of things. That is our view, is it not?Cratylus
Yes.Socrates
Then if his conception was incorrect, and he gave the names according to his conception, what do you suppose will happen to us who follow him? Can we help being deceived?Cratylus
But, Socrates, surely that is not the case.