Plato — Cratylus: flux
In the Cratylus, Socrates invokes things passing and the image of a river while discussing the correctness of names. The dialogue strongly influenced Heraclitus’ association with universal change, but also develops Plato’s own argument.
Understanding the text
Plato wrote several generations after Heraclitus and made characters speak. His account is neither a verbatim quotation nor an edition of the lost book.
Plato’s testimony about flux; a work by Plato, not a book by Heraclitus.
Key points
- 01
River
The image shows how something may be recognized despite the movement of its waters.
- 02
Naming
Discussion of names connects the stability of language to difficulties posed by change.
- 03
Interpretation
Plato’s reading cannot simply be identified with Heraclitus’ exact position without examination.
Explore the ideas in depth
The river and names
Compare Plato’s reading with the fragments and their context.
River
The image shows how something may be recognized despite the movement of its waters. Identify the ancient source preserving the passage and distinguish its words from modern interpretation.
Naming
Discussion of names connects the stability of language to difficulties posed by change. Compare this idea with another witness: an isolated quotation does not automatically restore its lost context.
Interpretation
Plato’s reading cannot simply be identified with Heraclitus’ exact position without examination. Note what the document permits you to conclude and what remains a hypothesis about the philosopher’s thought.
Questions to carry into your reading
- What question about language interests Plato?
- What changes when a statement enters a dialogue?
Compare the dialogue with fragments transmitted elsewhere and identify Plato’s own question.
How to read it
Compare the dialogue with fragments transmitted elsewhere and identify Plato’s own question.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗