Dialogues · Character

Theaetetus

The young mathematician from Sunium whose modesty and quick mind make him the ideal partner for Socrates' inquiry into what knowledge actually is.

supporting

Also known as the youthful Theaetetus

First appearance: Theaetetus

As a supporting figure in Dialogues, Theaetetus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The young mathematician who proposes and defends various definitions of knowledge.

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Theaetetus is introduced by Theodorus as a promising student of geometry, and he agrees to answer Socrates' questions even though he warns that he may tire. He is earnest, self-deprecating, and willing to follow an argument wherever it leads, which is exactly the temperament the dialogue needs. His attempts to define knowledge, and his willingness to abandon each definition when it fails, give the Theaetetus its distinctive combination of intellectual rigor and youthful honesty.

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Character Web

29 connections

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Character groups

Philosophers and Interlocutors
Extended Cast of Dialogues

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

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Relationships

Socrates
professional · positive
Socrates questions the young mathematician Theaetetus about the nature of knowledge in a… How this plays out →
Socrates
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Socrates questions the young mathematician Theaetetus about the nature of knowledge in a… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Theaetetus appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Theaetetus
The young mathematician who proposes and defends various definitions of knowledge.
Introduction and Analysis
Young mathematician whose definition of knowledge as perception is being examined; insists on considering the doctrine of rest.
Theaetetus
The young mathematician who is the primary respondent, offering definitions of knowledge and engaging with Socrates' challenges.
Sophist
Responds to the Stranger's questions, assisting in the dialectical process of defining the sophist.
Introduction and Analysis
The youthful interlocutor in the Sophist dialogue, with whom Socrates claims an affinity based on his ugly face.
Sophist
Selected by Socrates as the respondent for the Stranger; engages in the dialectical inquiry.

Chapter companion notes

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