In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts continue their exploration of Plato’s “Cratylus” and delve into the topic of language. They discuss Plato’s argument for the correctness of names, the connection between names and the essence of things, and the challenges of naming in a constantly changing world. Join them as they unravel the complexities of language and its relationship to philosophy.
Plato argues that naming is not merely a matter of convention but has an objective. If not done correctly, naming can go wrong. Language should do justice to the essence of things while also being efficient. Socrates emphasizes the importance of good definitions and understanding fundamental words before delving into philosophy. Misdescribing something can lead to false conclusions. Homer’s fictional characters have names that connote certain qualities or characteristics, and Socrates may use bogus etymologies to mock scholars. The section on names in the Parmenides is a conceptual joke played out systematically. The origin of the names of gods is unknown, and the names of soul and body are investigated. Language is transitory, and words can be distorted over time. Plato understands that language is an emergent phenomenon and not created by rule setters.
Exploring Plato’s “Cratylus” reveals the complexities of language and its relationship to philosophy. Plato’s arguments shed light on the objective nature of naming, the importance of definitions, and the transitory nature of language itself. Understanding the essence of things and using accurate names becomes crucial in philosophical discourse. Language, like the universe, is in constant flux, and our attempts to capture its essence are both fascinating and challenging.