Socrates finally concludes that if anyone performs injustice willingly, it is the just man, but neither Hippias nor Socrates is happy with this conclusion. It is often said that the dialogue ends in aporia, but there was never any dialectical attempt to define a concept in any case. The eristic debate finishes in favour of Hippias, who may now be sure to have some new students. Socrates has failed in his attempt to make Hippias realize the true nature of ability, as a means, and not a good end in itself.
