Abstract This paper defends an interpretation of Plato, Soph . 259c7–d7, which describes a distinction between genuine and pretender forms ‘examination’ or ‘refutation’ ( ἔλεγχος ). The passage speaks to need, throughout the dialogue, differentiate truly philosophical method from merely eristic method. But its contribution has been obscured by appearance textual problem at 259c7–8. As result, s...