ΟΝΟΜΑΤΟΘΕΣΙΑ
Onomatothesia, the act of naming, stands as a pivotal theme in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in Plato's dialogue Cratylus. It explores the profound relationship between word and thing, questioning whether names are "physei" (by nature) or "thesei" (by convention). Its lexarithmos (826) suggests a complex and foundational process of meaning-making.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ὀνοματοθεσία (feminine noun) primarily signifies "the act of naming, the institution of names." It is a compound word derived from ὄνομα ("name") and θέσις ("placing, position"), which itself stems from the verb τίθημι ("to place, to set"). The term describes the process by which names are assigned to objects, concepts, or persons.
Onomatothesia is not merely a linguistic act but carries profound philosophical and epistemological weight. In ancient Greece, the debate concerning the correct naming and its relationship to truth was central. Naming was often regarded as an act that either reveals or shapes the essence of the named entity.
The concept of onomatothesia is intrinsically linked to the human capacity to categorize, communicate, and comprehend the world. Through naming, humanity imposes structure upon the chaos of sensations and establishes a common framework of reference. Proper onomatothesia was considered essential for correct thought and the pursuit of knowledge.
Etymology
From the root of ὄνομα derive words such as ὀνομάζω ("to name"), ὀνομασία ("the act of naming"), ὀνομαστός ("famous, renowned"). From the root of τίθημι/θέσις derive θέμα ("that which is placed"), θετός ("placed, adopted"), σύνθεσις ("composition, putting together"). Onomatothesia exemplifies the productivity of the Greek language in creating complex concepts.
Main Meanings
- The act of naming, the institution of names — The primary, literal meaning of the word, referring to the action of assigning a name to something.
- The process of defining the relationship between a name and a thing — A philosophical meaning, as developed in Plato's dialogue "Cratylus," exploring whether names are natural (physei) or conventional (thesei).
- The creation or invention of new words — Refers to the human ability to coin new appellations for novel concepts or objects.
- Ritualistic naming, baptisms — In certain contexts, it can denote a formal or religious ceremony of naming, such as baptism.
- The attribution of characteristics through a name — The belief that a name can reflect or influence the essence or destiny of the named entity.
- Linguistic convention — The idea that names are merely conventional signs agreed upon by the speakers of a language.
Word Family
onomat-thes- (compound root of ὄνομα and τίθημι)
Onomatothesia serves as an excellent example of the Greek capacity to synthesize profound philosophical concepts from simpler roots. The root onomat- (from ὄνομα) refers to identity and recognition, while the root thes- (from τίθημι/θέσις) denotes the act of placing, instituting, or establishing. The fusion of these two roots creates a word that describes not merely simple naming, but also the conceptual placement and definition of identity through language. Each member of this family illuminates an aspect of the process of naming and establishment.
Philosophical Journey
Onomatothesia as a concept has a rich history in ancient Greek thought, culminating in the classical period.
In Ancient Texts
Plato's dialogue "Cratylus" stands as the seminal text on onomatothesia.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΟΝΟΜΑΤΟΘΕΣΙΑ is 826, from the sum of its letter values:
826 decomposes into 800 (hundreds) + 20 (tens) + 6 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΟΝΟΜΑΤΟΘΕΣΙΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 826 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 7 | 8+2+6=16 → 1+6=7 — The Heptad, the number of perfection and spiritual completion, suggesting the perfection inherent in naming. |
| Letter Count | 12 | 13 letters — The Thirteenth, a number often associated with transformation and transcendence, reflecting the power of naming to transform perception. |
| Cumulative | 6/20/800 | Units 6 · Tens 20 · Hundreds 800 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | O-N-O-M-A-T-O-T-H-E-S-I-A | Orderly Naming Of Meanings According To True Order Through Holistic Elucidation of Semantic Identity and Attributes. (interpretive) |
| Grammatical Groups | 6V · 0S · 7C | 6 vowels, 0 semivowels, 7 consonants. The abundance of vowels suggests fluidity and open communication, while the consonants imply stability and structure. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Moon ☽ / Aquarius ♒ | 826 mod 7 = 0 · 826 mod 12 = 10 |
Isopsephic Words (826)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (826) as ὀνοματοθεσία, but of different roots, offering interesting parallels:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 66 words with lexarithmos 826. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Plato — Cratylus. Translated with notes.
- Aristotle — On Interpretation (Περὶ Ἑρμηνείας). Loeb Classical Library.
- Dionysius Thrax — Art of Grammar.
- Plutarch — Moralia.
- Palmer, L. R. — The Greek Language. Bristol Classical Press, 1980.
- Chantraine, P. — Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque. Paris: Klincksieck, 1968-1980.