Commentary on Plato's Alcibiades

at the same time moving toward perfection. A chapter leads in the process of removing the things unknown from the argument, and they knew how to hinder the delays that obstruct science in many and various syllogisms. Second, this part is placed in its own proper position, the one establishing that we should not be satisfied with natural advantages, but should not fall short of the noble and more perfect pursuits, the life and undertakings, and those things which procure the true and eternal essence. And the care for the finding of the correct path, and finally the fitting application of reason to the intention alone. They strain this part that lies before us, and all points from us are to be received and contribute to their own purpose: both the demonstrative ones and those befitting the exhortation. For each of the syllogisms must be seen to lead us to this one end: the contemplation of our own substance and the knowledge of ourselves. But if you wish to examine each thing for yourself, and to test the power derived from us, you will find them referred to one of all the theoretical principles. For the first definition is one that banishes ignorance from all by a new judgment of beings; it is nothing but the lack of science or the lack of passion concerning them, calling to those providing them the surge of the sea, not turning back to themselves. We do not take up a clearly articulated knowledge of them. And we trust that this is a common view, and we rely on the refutations to put on the dwelling. The second, again, is greater than the large...