There are two ways to show (τὸ δεικνύναι) something: by demonstration (ἀπόδειξις) and by example (παράδειγμα).

The former is certain but unedifying, the latter edifying but suspect.

The former requires first principles, the latter leads to them.

Is the former even possible?

In Plato's Apology, Socrates preface the story of his divine mission by saying he will attempt a demonstration (πειράσομαι ἀποδεῖξαι) of how he got his name or reputation (ὄνομα).

He concludes, however, by remarking that the god has used his name (τῷ ἐμῷ ὀνόματι) and made him a model or example. (ἐμέ παράδειγμα ποιούμενος).

In the Statesman, the dialogue preceding the Apology in the dramatic chronology, the Stranger from Elea remarks, "It’s difficult without using models (παραδείγμασι) to display (ἐνδείκνυσθαί) anything of the greater things.”

It seems like examples or models (παραδείγματα) are inherently latent in all "showing," which would only be another way of saying all philosophy, all science even, is political, whether it cares to acknowledge it or not.