But I must indulge you, as Zeno says that I ought, and we are
alone. Where shall I begin? And what shall be our first hypothesis, if
I am to attempt this laborious pastime? Shall I begin with myself, and
take my own hypothesis the one? and consider the consequences which
follow on the supposition either of the being or of the not being of
one?
By all means, said Zeno.
And who will answer me? he said. Shall I propose the youngest? He
will not make difficulties and will be the most likely to say what
he thinks; and his answers will give me time to breathe.
I am the one whom you mean, Parmenides, said Aristoteles; for I am
the youngest and at your service. Ask, and I will answer.
Parmenides proceeded: If one is, he said, the one cannot be many?
Impossible.
Then the one cannot have parts, and cannot be a whole?
Why not?
Because every part is part of a whole; is it not?
Yes.
And what is a whole? would not that of which no part is wanting be a
whole?
Certainly.
Then, in either case, the one would be made up of parts; both as
being a whole, and also as having parts?
To be sure.
And in either case, the one would be many, and not one?
True.
But, surely, it ought to be one and not many?
It ought.
Then, if the one is to remain one, it will not be a whole, and
will not have parts?
No.
But if it has no parts, it will have neither beginning, middle,
nor end; for these would of course be parts of it.
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