Cratylus, Plato
Cratylus, Plato
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Cratylus
On Names and Reality – Plato’s Inquiry into Language, Etymology, and the Nature of Truth

Author: Plato, Tim Zengerink

Narrator: Zeek Ring

Unabridged: 2 hr 33 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/22/2025

Synopsis

What if words aren’t just signs—but symbols of truth?Cratylus by Plato is an early and enduring exploration of language, etymology, and the connection between names and reality. This modern translation brings clarity and life to the dialogue between Socrates, Cratylus, and Hermogenes as they debate the origins and accuracy of words. Is language merely a social convention, or does it reflect the essence of things?What you'll discover inside:• A Riveting Dialogue on Language and Truth – Socrates leads a spirited debate on the nature of names.• The Origins of Linguistic Philosophy – Engage with Plato’s pioneering ideas on semantics and reality.• A Modern, Accessible Translation – Readable and resonant for today’s listeners.• Philosophy That Still Speaks Today – Timeless questions about communication, meaning, and perception.Cratylus challenges us to look beyond the words we use—and ask what they truly reveal.

About Plato

Plato (427-347 B.C.) was a classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, writer, and student of Socrates. Most of his works, which form some of the core foundations of Western philosophy, are written in the form of dialogues, in which Socrates often figures prominently. His best-known writings include the Republic, the Apology, the Symposium, Crito, and Statesman. Plato's work addresses such diverse themes as the nature of love, human knowledge and understanding, and the ideal form of government.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Manny on January 11, 2015

[Outside the Potts residence. JEREMY, JEMIMA, SOCRATES] SOCRATES: Good day, young friends. May I inquire whether your father is at home? JEMIMA: I’m sorry, Daddy is out. JEREMY: He’s trying to sell an invention. JEMIMA: Can we help you, Mr…? SOCRATES: Socrates. My unworthy name is Socrates. JEREMY: The S......more

Goodreads review by Roy on January 31, 2019

Cratylus is one of Plato’s early-middle dialogues. It is somewhat puzzling for the modern reader, since much of the dialogue is taken up with fanciful folk etymologies of Greek words. Socrates is investigating whether the names of the Gods, heroes, citizens, or natural elements are meaningful, and i......more

Goodreads review by Uroš on April 02, 2023

Nezaobilazno delo za razumevanje odnosa između reči i stvari.  U ovom Platonovom dijalogu, sukobljene su dve strane – konvencionalistička i naturalistička. Prvu zastupa Hermogen, koji brani tvrdnju da reči proističu iz dogovora između ljudi, da su reči konvencija, dok drugi pogled, koji zastupa Krati......more

Goodreads review by Ana on September 23, 2020

Aunque es un texto corto, por momentos se vuelve bastante complejo de seguir para quienes, como yo, no tienen ninguna formación en griego antiguo. Las reflexiones sobre el rol de la etimología en la comprensión de la realidad de las cosas y las limitaciones del conocimiento a través del lenguaje me......more

Goodreads review by Dorotea on May 24, 2020

The topic of Cratylus is the correctness of names – and hence the criteria that should determine the correct choice of name. On one side, Cratylus argues that there is a “correctness of name for each thing, one that belongs to it by nature”; on the other, Hermogenes stance is that the correctness of......more

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