Lesser Hippias is a short, early dialogue by Plato that features a conversation between Socrates and Hippias, a sophist known for his intellectual pursuits and self-assurance. The dialogue centers around the idea of beauty and the nature of art, with Socrates questioning Hippias on various definitions of beauty. Throughout the exchange, Socrates employs his characteristic method of questioning, aiming to demonstrate the limits of Hippias’ knowledge.The dialogue opens with Socrates praising Hippias for his many accomplishments and knowledge, only to provoke him by questioning what is truly beautiful. Hippias asserts that beauty is subjective and can be identified through various forms, but Socrates challenges him to define beauty in a more precise and universally applicable way. The discussion also touches on moral and ethical considerations, as Socrates tries to show that true beauty is linked to justice and goodness, rather than superficial or fleeting attributes. While the dialogue does not come to a definitive conclusion, it highlights the limitations of sophistry and the value of philosophical inquiry.