Force vs. Persuasion

Paper Summary:

The author of this paper analyzes the argument on force vs. persuasion between Thrasymachus and Socrates in Book I of Plato's "The Republic". The author shows that as their arguments escalate and change focus, Socrates ends up the victor. However his victory is somewhat marred by the very tool he uses to secure it "persuasion."

From the Paper:

"The evaluation of force or persuasion as a more successful means of achieving one s objectives is manifested in the intense discussions between Thrasymachus and Socrates. Thrasymachus believes that justice is nothing else than the interest of the stronger. (202) He attempts to impress this upon the group. Socrates wishes to prove his statement wrong but knows that making a blatant statement to the contrary would provoke Thrasymachus ire rather than prove his point so Socrates decides to employ the art of persuasion in refuting Thrasymachus statement."

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