Gorgias by Plato [PDF]

Information: Gorgias

• Author: Plato.
• Publication Date: Approximately in the year 380 B.C.
• Main Characters:
  • Socrates: Philosopher and protagonist of the dialogue.
  • Gorgias: Famous rhetorician and sophist.
  • Polus: Disciple of Gorgias and also a sophist.
  • Callicles: Young Athenian politician.
• Brief Summary: "Gorgias" is a philosophical dialogue in which Socrates confronts the sophists Gorgias, Polus, and Callicles. Socrates questions the sophists about the nature of rhetoric and the power of persuasive speech. Through a series of questions and arguments, Socrates seeks to demonstrate that true wisdom lies in the knowledge of virtue and justice, rather than the mere art of rhetorical persuasion.
• Historical Context: "Gorgias" was written at a crucial moment in ancient Greek history, during the height of Athenian democracy and the influence of sophists in society. Plato, through this dialogue, aims to challenge the ideas and teachings of the sophists and promote a higher view of philosophy and virtue. The dialogue reflects Plato's interest in the pursuit of truth and criticism of deceptive forms of thought and discourse.