Measurement and Dialectic [283b–7b]

This chapter reviews the argument in the final section of the Statesman. The parallels between weaving and statecraft collectively constitute a paradigm, as the Stranger says both at the beginning and at the end of enumerating the constituent classes of the polis. The Stranger points out those arts which "furnish any implement, great or small, for the state" must all be classified as "contingent causes". The Stranger's subtle reservation in assessing the truth value of his impending discussion reflects the fact that his account of statecraft will be based on the paradigm of weaving, thus producing true opinion about statecraft, not knowledge. The Stranger lists three traditionally sanctioned types of government: monarchy, rule by the few or oligarchy, democracy. The knowledge of government cannot arise from a multitude of people, for if it could so arise then statecraft would be the easiest of arts.