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Theophrastus · Fragments §70d.1

Definition and Threefold Classification of Maxims

Passage 72 of 196 · Greek

Summary

The definition of a maxim according to Theophrastus and its three classifications (paradoxical, generally accepted, and disputed) are presented.

§70d.1Fr. 70d Κατὰ γὰρ τὸν Θ. γνώμη ἐστὶ καθόλου ἀπόφανσις ἐν τοῖς πρακτέοις· εἰσὶ δὲ τούτων αἱ μὲν παράδοξοι αἱ δὲ ἔνδοξοι αἱ δὲ ἀμφισβητούμεναι.
Fr. 70d For according to Theophrastus, a maxim is a universal assertion in matters of action; and of these, some are paradoxical, some are generally accepted, and some are disputed.

Notes

  1. §70d.1Θ. — An abbreviation for the accusative form Θεόφραστον of the proper name Θεόφραστος (Theophrastus), governed by the preposition κατά. It continues the context of the immediately preceding fragment (Fr. 70c).
  2. §70d.1τούτων — Partitive genitive. The semantic antecedent is the whole category of 'maxims' implied by the singular noun γνώμη. It is expressed in the plural to agree with the following plural subjects αἱ μὲν... αἱ δὲ...

Cite this passage

Theophrastus, Fragments §70d.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0093.tlg010x09.humanitext-grc1:70d.1

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