The Structure of the Theaetetus

The Theaetetus consists of attempted definitions of knowledge, one of which is rejected immediately (Definition 0), and three of which are examined at some length and ultimately rejected. There is also a short introduction, the famous midwifery digression, and "the Digression."
  1. Rejected attempt at definition by examples 146a-151d
  2. First definition: “Knowledge is perception”: 151e-187a
    1. Knowledge as perception: 151d-e
    2. “Cold Wind” vs. "Warm Wind" and the Theory of Flux: 152a-160e
    3. Indirect refutation of "Knowledge is perception": 160e5-186e12
    1. Further objection to Protagoras: 177c6-179b5
    2. Further objection to Heracleitus: 179c1-183c2
    3. Direct refutation of D1: 183c4-187a8
  1. Second definition: “Knowledge is true judgement”: 187b-201c
    1. Puzzles about false belief (indirect refutation of "Knowledge is true judgement"
      1. Misidentification: 187e5-188c8
      2. “Believing What is Not”: 188c10-189b9
      3. Allodoxia: 189b10-190e4
      4. The wax tablet: 190e5-196c5
      5. The Aviary: 196d1-200d4
    2. Direct Refutation of "Knowledge is true judgement": 200d5-201c7
  2. Third definition: “Knowledge is true judgement + an account”: 201d-210a
    1. The dream of Socrates: 201d8-202d7
    2. Problems with the theory in Socrates' dream: 202d8-206c2
    3. Three attempted explanations of "an account" (i.e. logos): 206c2-210a9