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THE CONTENT

OF THE FIRST

DIALOGUE.

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The first Dialogue, which is shorter than either of the other two, consists of only one part. At its beginning, the Author—writing under the name of Philo The name Philo is derived from the Greek word for "lover."—employs toward Sophia Sophia is the Greek word for "wisdom." Together, the characters Philo and Sophia personify "Philosophy," the love of wisdom. (whom he says he loves and desires because of the knowledge he has of her) several evasions, rhetorical traps original: "captions" — a term for sophistical arguments intended to catch an opponent off guard, and verbal maneuvers or arguments. These serve as inductions to lead into a truthful conversation and to arrive at the definition necessary before examining any subject one wishes to treat. Thus, to better discuss the essence of love and desire, he defines each separately; and in order to show the difference that might exist between them, he discourses upon the three kinds of