That’s because you’re a clever fellow, Thrasymachus. You…
![“That’s because you’re a clever fellow, Thrasymachus. You knew very well that if you ask someone how much twelve is, and, as you ask, you warn him by saying “Don’t tell me, man, that twelve is twice six, or three [b] times four, or six times two, or four times three, for I won’t accept such…” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/5fb/plato-103_quote_that-s-because-you-re-a-clever-fellow-th_1595530.jpg)
““That’s because you’re a clever fellow, Thrasymachus. You knew very well that if you ask someone how much twelve is, and, as you ask, you warn him by saying “Don’t tell me, man, that twelve is twice six, or three [b] times four, or six times two, or four times three, for I won’t accept such nonsense,” then you’ll see clearly, I think, that no one could answer a question framed like that. And if he said to you: “What are you saying, Thrasymachus, am I not to give any of the answers you mention, not even if twelve happens to be one of those things? I’m amazed. Do you want me to say something other than the truth? Or do you mean something else?” What answer would you give him? [c]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Thrasymachus challenges the definition of truth by demanding a paradoxical answer, exposing the difficulty of answering trick questions.
In simple terms: A paradoxical question reveals limits of knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and avoid logical traps.
Themes
philosophy
logic
truth
Socratic method
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- classroom debate
- critical thinking workshops
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
dialectic
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about the nature of truth?
- How can we respond to deceptive questioning?
A Different Perspective
Complex questions may obscure genuine understanding.