Note 92 — Chapter XXIII · PROTAGORAS.
Reading edition
Plat. Prot. p. 348 C. μὴ οἴου διαλέγεσθαι μέ σοι ἄλλο τι βουλόμενον ἢ ἂ αὐτὸς ἀπορῶ, ἑκάστοτε ταῦτα διασκέψασθαι.
The remark here given should be carefully noted in appreciating the Sokratic frame of mind. The cross-examination which he bestows, is not that of one who himself knows — and who only gets up artificial difficulties to ascertain whether others know as much as he does. On the contrary, it proceeds from one who is himself puzzled; and that which puzzles him he states to others, and debates with others, as affording the best chance of clearing up his own ideas and obtaining a solution.
The grand purpose with Sokrates is to bring into clear daylight the difficulties which impede the construction of philosophy or “reasoned truth,” and to sift them thoroughly, instead of slurring them over or hiding them.