Maieutic (Part II)

Socrates: Have you not also heard this about them (midwives), that they are the most skilful aide to marriage since they are perfectly wise regarding what kind of man and woman should be united in order to bear the best possible children?

Theaetetus: I did not know this.

Socrates: But, know that they are more renowned in this than in cutting the umbilical cord. For, do you believe taking care of and collecting the fruits of the earth belongs to the same, or different art to having knowledge of what type of ground any plant or seed must be sown?

Theaetetus: To the same art.

Socrates: But, in women, O friend, do you believe the art concerning the taking care of offspring differs from that of delivering them?

Theaetetus: This is not likely to be so.

Socrates: Indeed not. But through the unjust and unskillful joining of a man and woman, which is the business of prostitution, midwives, being women of purity, avoid being aides to marriage for fear of being branded with the label of prostitution since it is the sole responsibility of true midwives to act as an aide to marriage with morality.

Theaetetus: This appears to be so.

Socrates: Then this is the role of a midwife, but it is less burdensome than the part I have to play. For women do not sometimes bring forth images and at other times, bring forth realities that are not easily distinguishable. For if this was so and midwives were to distinguish between that which is real and that which is image, it would be the greatest and most beautiful work. Or do you not think so?

Theaetetus:  I do.

Plato, The Theaetetus

Men bring forth both images that are false and realities that are true. It is difficult for men to distinguish between the two. 

Note from the editor of Classical Philosophy