Jowett: HPM 284e-285b: O legal e útil

(284e) Hippias : Speaking accurately, Socrates, that is true ; however, men are not accustomed to think so.

Socrates : The men who know, Hippias, or those who do not know ?

Hippias : The many.

Socrates : Are these, the many, those who know the truth ?

Hippias : Certainly not.

Socrates : But surely those who know, think that in truth for all men that which is more beneficial is more lawful than that which is less beneficial ; or do you not agree ?

Hippias : Yes, I agree that they think it is so in truth.

Socrates : Well, it actually is as those who know think it is, is it not ?

Hippias : Certainly.

Socrates : But or the Lacedaemonians, as you say, (285a) it is more beneficial to be educated in your education, which is foreign, than in the local education.

Hippias : Yes, and what I say is true.

Socrates : And do you say this also, Hippias, that beneficial things are more lawful ?

Hippias : Yes, I said so.

Socrates : Then, according to what you say, it is more lawful for the sons of the Lacedaemonians to be educated by Hippias and less lawful for them to be educated by their fathers, if in reality they will be more benefited by you.

Hippias : But certainly they will be benefited, Socrates.

(285b) Socrates : Then the Lacedaemonians in not giving you money and entrusting their sons to you, act contrary to law.

Hippias : I agree to that ; for you seem to be making your argument in my favour, and there is no need of my opposing it.

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