Nikias is made to say that Sokrates has recently recommended to him Damon, as a teacher of [Greek: mousikê\] to his sons, and that Damon had proved an admirable teacher as well as companion (180 D). Damon is mentioned by Plato generally with much eulogy.] [Side-note: Sokrates is invited to declare his opinion. He replies that the point cannot be decided without a competent professional judge.] _Sokr._--The question must not be determined by a plurality of votes, but by superiority of knowledge.[3] If we were debating about the proper gymnastic discipline for these young men, we should consult a known artist or professional trainer, or at least some one who had gone through a course of teaching and practice under the trainer. The first thing to be enquired therefore is, whether, in reference to the point now under discussion, there be any one of us professionally or technically competent, who has studied under good masters, and has proved his own competence as a master by producing well-trained pupils. The next thing is, to understand clearly what it is, with reference to which such competence is required.[4] _Nikias._--Surely the point before us is, whether it be wise to put these young men under the lessons of the master of arms? That is what we want to know. _Sokr._--Doubtless it is: but that is only one particular branch of a wider and more comprehensive enquiry. When you are considering whether a particular ointment is good for your eyes, it is your eyes, and their general benefit, which form the subject of investigation--not the ointment simply. The person to assist you will be, he who understands professionally the general treatment of the eyes. So in this case, you are enquiring whether lessons in arms will be improving for the minds and character of your sons. Look out therefore for some one who is professionally competent, from having studied under good masters, in regard to the general treatment of the mind.[5] _Lachês._--But there are various persons who, without ever having studied under masters, possess greater technical competence than others who have so studied. _Sokr._--There are such persons: but you will never believe it upon their own assurance, unless they can show you some good special work actually performed by themselves. [Footnote 3: Plato, Lachês, 184 E. [Greek: e)pistê/mê| dei= kri/nesthai a)ll' ou) plê/thei to\ me/llon kalô=s krithê/sesthai.]] [Footnote 4: Plato, Lachês, 185 C.] [Footnote 5: Plato, Lachês, 185 E. [Greek: ei)/ tis ê(mô=n techniko\s peri\ psuchê=s therapei/an, kai\ oi(=o/s te kalô=s tou=to therapeu=sai, kai\ o(/tô| dida/skaloi a)gathoi\ gego/nasi, tou=to skepte/on.]] [Side-note: Those who deliver an opinion must begin by proving their competence to judge--Sokrates avows his own incompetence.]