Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around a riddle that describes a being that "speaks with one voice, yet walks on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three feet in the evening." Participants explore its philosophical implications and historical context.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Historical
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses uncertainty about the answer to the riddle.
- Another participant interprets the riddle as a metaphor for the stages of a man's life, explaining the meanings of "four feet," "two feet," and "three feet."
- A participant questions the authorship of the riddle, suggesting it may be attributed to Plato or another Greek philosopher.
- Another participant identifies the riddle as traditionally known as the riddle of the Sphinx, mentioning its role in mythology.
- A participant recalls encountering the riddle in the context of "Oedipus the King" during their education.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the interpretation of the riddle as a metaphor for life stages, but there is some uncertainty regarding its authorship and historical context.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the riddle's meaning and its philosophical implications remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve the question of authorship.