Ion. Without doubt.
Socrates. Nor a physician, architecture?
Ion. Of course not.
Socrates. Is it not thus with every art? If we are adepts in one, we are ignorant of another. But first, tell me, do not all arts differ one from the other?
Ion. They do.
Socrates. For you, as well as I, can testify that when we say an art is the knowledge of one thing, we do not mean that it is the knowledge of another.
Ion. Certainly.
Socrates. For, if each art contained the knowledge of all things, why should we call them by different names? we do so that we may distinguish them one from the other. Thus, you as well as I, know that these are five fingers; and if I asked you whether we both meant the same thing or another, when we speak of arithmetic—would you not say the same?
Ion. Yes.
Socrates. And tell me, when we learn one art we must both learn the same things with regard to it; and other things if we learn another?
Ion. Certainly.
Socrates. And he who is not versed in an art, is not a good judge of what is said or done with respect to it?
Ion. Certainly not.
Socrates. To return to the verses which you just recited, do you think that you or a charioteer would be better capable of deciding whether Homer had spoken rightly or not?
Ion. Doubtless a charioteer.
Socrates. For you are a rhapsodist, and not a charioteer?
Ion. Yes.
Socrates. And the art of reciting verses is different from that of driving chariots?
Ion. Certainly.
