Part 8

Protagoras' Use of Words

'I have fought many battles of words. If I had followed the method of disputation which my adversaries desired, as you want me to do, I should have been no better than another, and the name of Protagoras would have been nowhere'

Socrates Socrates
7 min read
Table of Contents
Socrates
Socrates
Now then, you think that some men are temperate, and yet unjust? And temperance is good sense? And good sense is good counsel in doing injustice if the injustice succeeds?
Protagoras
Yes, yes, and yes.
Protagoras
Socrates
Socrates
Do you believe the gods exist? And is the good that which is expedient for man?
Protagoras
Yes. There are some things which may be inexpedient, and yet I call them good.
Protagoras

I thought that Protagoras was getting ruffled and excited; he seemed to be setting himself in an attitude of war. Seeing this, I minded my business, and gently said:—

Socrates
Socrates
When you say that things inexpedient are good, do you mean inexpedient for man only, or inexpedient altogether? and do you call the latter good?
Protagoras

Certainly not the last. Many things such as meats, drinks, medicines, etc are inexpedient for man. Some things are expedient.

Some are neither expedient nor inexpedient for man, but only for horses.

Some for oxen only. Some for dogs. Some only for trees. Some for the roots of trees and not for their branches.

For example, manure is good around the roots of a tree. But it is destructive if thrown on the shoots and young branches.

Olive oil is mischievous to all plants and injurious to the hair of animals except man. But it is beneficial to human hair and to the human body generally.

Protagoras

The people cheered Protagoras.

Socrates
Socrates
Please shorten your answers.

Leave a Comment