Plato / Benjamin Jowett
In this dialogue, Plato delves into the philosophy of language, exploring the relationship between words and the objects they represent. Through the characters of Socrates, Hermogenes, and Cratylus, the discussion navigates whether names are natural or conventional, questioning if language can truly capture the essence of things. The dialogue presents early thoughts on linguistic theory, examining how words shape our understanding of reality and the world around us.