Theaetetus

In this classic philosophical conversation, a young mathematician named Theaetetus joins Socrates and an inquisitive friend for a probing discussion about what it means to truly know something. The dialogue unfolds as a series of carefully crafted arguments, each proposing a different definition—perception, true judgment, and reasoned explanation—only to be set aside through Socrates’ gentle but relentless questioning. The exchange is lively and humorous, revealing the participants’ willingness to admit ignorance while they explore the limits of human understanding.

The setting feels both intimate and timeless, with the familiar Socratic method at work and the characters moving through a maze of assumptions about truth, belief, and justification. Listeners will hear how each hypothesis is examined from multiple angles, exposing hidden contradictions and inviting deeper reflection. By the end of the first act, the conversation leaves a lingering sense of wonder, encouraging anyone who follows along to consider how fragile and complex the notion of knowledge really is.