The Cratylus: Plato’s Critique of Naming

The Cratylus has puzzled many readers with its lengthy discussion of the true meanings of more than 100 Greek names. This study aims to provide a coherent interpretation of the whole dialogue, paying particular attention to these etymologies. It discusses the rival theories of names offered by Cratylus, Hermogenes and Socrates, arguing that Socrates presents a prescriptive theory, laying down what names should be, rather than describing what they are. This distinction is further explored and used to illuminate the etymologies themselves. After discussing possible sources for the etymologies, the author argues that the etymological section amounts to a Platonic critique of the muddled attitude of Greek poets and thinkers towards names.