Note 935 — Chapter IX · LEUKIPPOS OF MILETOS

The words ὡς δοκεῖ do not imply assent to the view introduced by them; indeed they are used, far more often than not, in reference to beliefs which the writer does not accept. The translation “methinks” in Gomperz, Greek Thinkers, vol. i. p. 345, is therefore most misleading, and there is no justification for Brieger’s statement (Hermes, xxxvi. p. 165) that Theophrastos dissents from Aristotle’s view as given in the passage about to be quoted. We should be saved from many errors if we accustomed ourselves to translate δοκεῖ by “is thought” or “is believed” instead of by “seems.”