Discourses · Chapter
What Is the Property of Error explained
This chapter explores the nature of error as a form of contradiction: every person who errs wishes to be right but fails to achieve what they truly want.
What happens
This chapter explores the nature of error as a form of contradiction: every person who errs wishes to be right but fails to achieve what they truly want. It argues that a rational soul naturally recoils from contradiction once it is recognized, and that the art of persuasion lies in revealing this contradiction to others. Socrates is cited as a master of this method, relying on the interlocutor's own reason as the ultimate witness.
Themes in this chapter
Rationality and Self-Examination
The chapter centers on how rational self-examination reveals contradictions in one's actions and desires, leading to correction.
Characters to notice
- Socrates
Cited as the exemplar of using logical contradiction to guide others to truth, trusting the interlocutor's own rational judgment.
Key passages
“Every error comprehends contradiction: for since he who errs does not wish to err, but to be right, it is plain that he does not do what he wishes.”
Every mistake involves a contradiction: because the person who is mistaken wants to be correct, not mistaken, so they are clearly failing to achieve what they actually want.
This defines error as a mismatch between intention and outcome.
“Show the rational governing faculty a contradiction, and it will withdraw from it; but if you do not show it, rather blame yourself than him who is not persuaded.”
If you reveal a contradiction to someone's reasoning mind, it will naturally abandon that error; if you fail to show it, the fault is yours, not theirs.
Emphasizes the teacher's responsibility in making contradictions evident.