The river and names
Compare Plato’s reading with the fragments and their context.
An original introduction. This guide accompanies the work; it is neither the complete text nor a translation.
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.
Compare the dialogue with fragments transmitted elsewhere and identify Plato’s own question.
Your turn to think.
- What question about language interests Plato?
- What changes when a statement enters a dialogue?
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