The Unity of Plato's 'Gorgias'
The Unity of Plato's 'Gorgias'
Rhetoric, Justice, and the Philosophic Life
Devin Stauffer demonstrates the complex unity of Plato's Gorgias, through a careful analysis of the dialogue's three main sections, including Socrates' famous argumentative duel with Callicles, a passionate critic of justice and philosophy. He reveals how the seemingly disparate themes of rhetoric, justice, and the philosophic life are woven together into a coherent whole. Stauffer's interpretation of the Gorgias sheds new light on Plato's thought, indicating that Plato and Socrates had a more favorable view of rhetoric than is supposed, and challenges some of Socrates' most famous claims about justice.
- The first book-length interpretation of Plato's Gorgias to bring out the unity of the dialogue
- Challenges the assumption that Socrates and Plato were simply critics of rhetoric
- Sheds new light on Plato's understanding of the relationship between philosophy and politics
Reviews & endorsements
"...an excellent test-stone for any rhetorician who studies Plato's dialogues." - Michael Svoboda, George Washington University
Product details
March 2006Adobe eBook Reader
9780511145117
0 pages
0kg
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Examining the master of rhetoric
- 2. Polus and the dispute about justice
- 3. The confrontation between Socrates and Callicles
- 4. Socrates' situation and the rehabilitation of rhetoric
- Conclusion: a final reflection on noble rhetoric.
