Sophist (dialogue) - Interpretations

Interpretations

Since Plato wrote the Statesman after the Sophist, while he never wrote the dialogue Philosopher, many scholars argue that Plato challenges the audience to search for the definition of the philosopher themselves, by applying the method of inquiry and definition shown in those two dialogues. However, this does not mean that one can simply extend the method in a mechanical way to the investigation of the philosopher, but he only shows us how one can proceed in such philosophical enquiries.

Aristotle picks up a number of themes dealt with in the Sophist in his own work De Interpretatione. Among these are the required parts of a statement (names and verbs) as well as affirmations and denials.