From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordPhōnē can mean voice or sound.
- In StobaeusThe Platonic report defines voice both as breath passing through the mouth from thought and as a blow transmitted by air through bodily structures to soul.
- In this edition“Voice” is retained where the source discusses the term itself.
- A place to beginThought, outgoing breath, and transmitted impact are connected.
- English renderings
- voice; articulate sound
Meaning
Phōnē can mean voice or sound. One preserved account explicitly distinguishes its strict articulate sense from an extended use for animal cries and inanimate noises.
Use in the book
The Platonic report defines voice both as breath passing through the mouth from thought and as a blow transmitted by air through bodily structures to soul. Its next clause reserves voice in the strict sense for articulation that makes thought clear, while allowing an extended use for neighing and noises. Production, transmission, and meaning therefore occupy different parts of the account.
Places to read
Translation in this edition
“Voice” is retained where the source discusses the term itself. Its local restriction to articulate expression is attributed to this report, not imposed on every use in the volume.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 497.