Cratylus: On Names and Reality - Plato's Inquiry into Language, Etymology, and the Nature of Truth

Cratylus is one of Plato's most thought-provoking dialogues, diving deep into the mysterious relationship between language and truth. Through a captivating exchange between Socrates and two contrasting figures-Hermogenes, who believes names are arbitrary, and Cratylus, who asserts they are naturally linked to the essence of things-Plato challenges readers to reflect on how language shapes our perception of the world.

This modern translation makes one of the earliest linguistic debates accessible, vivid, and deeply relevant. Whether you're a philosopher, linguist, or curious thinker, this dialogue sheds light on issues we still grapple with today: Do words reflect reality, or do they merely point to it?

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:

• A Riveting Dialogue on Language and Truth - Explore Socrates' examination of whether words are naturally connected to what they signify.
• The Origins of Linguistic Philosophy - Discover early reflections that prefigure modern debates in semantics and etymology.
• A Fresh, Accessible Translation - Designed to make Plato's profound arguments easy to follow without sacrificing depth.
• An Inquiry into Meaning and Misunderstanding - Learn how language might obscure as much as it reveals about reality.

Join the conversation that shaped centuries of linguistic theory and philosophical thought. Cratylus is not just about words-it's about what lies behind them.