Parmenides (Part II) The Arrival of Cephalus

Cephalus: Upon arriving in Athens from Clazomenae, the place of our abode, we were fortunate to encounter Adeimantus and Glaucon at the gathering place. Adeimantus took me by the hand.

Adeimantus: If you are in need of anything here, in which we are able to assist, please let us know.

Cephalus: It is because I need your assistance that I am here.

Adeimantus: Tell us your need.

Cephalus: What was your brother's name, of your mother, for I do not remember for he was a child when I first visited here from Clazomenae. Since then, a great length of time has taken place. I think his father's name was Pyrilampes.

Adeimantus: Absolutely, and my brother's name is Antiphon. But what is the need you have most?

Cephalus: These fellow citizens of mine are very philosophical, and I have heard this very Antiphon was frequently present with one Pythodorus, a close companion of Zeno. Treasured in his memory the discourses which Socrates, Zeno and Parmenides held with each other and often heard by Pythodorus.

Adeimantus: You speak the truth.

Cephalus: Then, it is these discourses we need to hear.

Adeimantus: But this is no difficult matter to accomplish because the young man has intensely reflected upon them. And now, with his grandfather of the same name as himself, has dedicated himself to equestrian affairs. If necessary, we will go to him for he just left here to head for home near Melita.

Cephalus: After talking, we proceeded to the house of Antiphon, where we found him handing a specific bridle to a coppersmith to be prepared in the proper way. Soon, the smith was gone, and his brother told him the reason for our visit. Antiphon knew me from a previous journey to this place and greeted us kindly. Upon which we pleaded with him to relate the discourse. At first, he seemed unwilling to comply because of the amount of effort needed, but afterwards, he satisfied our request.

Plato, The Parmenides

Unity - (Mystical) - Intellect

Intermediary

Nature - Matter

One

Two

Many

Note from the editor of Classical Philosophy