Abstract

Neither of Plato's Hippias dialogues has received much attention as a whole. The significant early portions of both are largely ignored, and when treated at all, given brief consideration. One purpose of this dissertation, is to use all that Plato provides, including the openings of the dialogues, to construct a richer, more comprehensive, understanding of the Hippias Major and the Hippias Minor than previously available. ;Though each of the two dialogues may be understood independently, it seems probable that Plato chose Hippias as the interlocutor for both with good reason. The choice indicates a strong connection between the dialogues. Since it may always prove helpful to use an understanding of Plato's philosophy gained in the study of one dialogue as an aid in comprehending another, in a case such as this, where the discussions in both dialogues are between the same two persons, the dialogues should especially be expected to shed light on each other. Therefore, although I respect the independence of each dialogue by developing a pair of commentaries, I deal with them in the same work and explore a set of common themes throughout both. I especially look at the theme of the appropriate use of one's wisdom both publicly and privately, and the contest this sets up between sophistry and philosophy