Gorgias

Name: Gorgias
Author: Plato

By Plato

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Classics of Literature Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

A Socratic dialogue examines the nature and value of rhetoric and its relation to justice, contrasting public persuasion with true arts that improve the soul. Through successive exchanges with an experienced rhetorician, his younger defender, and a more aggressive interlocutor, the discussion treats rhetoric as a species of flattery, distinguishes pleasure from genuine good, and advances Socratic claims that committing wrong harms the agent, punishment may be preferable to impunity, and wrongdoing stems from ignorance of the good. The argument moves from definitional disputes to ethical consequences and closes with a mythic account of posthumous judgment that underscores accountability beyond civic success.

About the Author

Plato

Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, whose works have profoundly influenced Western philosophy. He is best known for his dialogues, which explore various philosophical themes including ethics, politics, and metaphysics. Among his most notable works is the "Apology," which presents Socrates' defense during his trial. Plato founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. His writings, characterized by their dialectical method and exploration of ideal forms, continue to be studied for their insights into human thought and society.