Philosophical Dialectic vs. Sophistic Rhetoric

Paper Summary:

This paper is an in depth examination of Plato's "Gorgias". It focuses on the importance, for Plato, of demonstrating that philosophy, not rhetoric, is the basis of the good life and of human happiness. The author explores both political and personal, and philosophical implications. Among some other topics touched upon are Plato's definition of the good, his understanding of the soul, and his basic political philosophy.

From the Paper:

"Rhetoric, the art that Gorgias claims to possess, is in every way opposed to wisdom and the good. Plato emphasizes this point from the very beginning of the dialogue. Socrates' lateness to Gorgias' declamation is a deliberate tactic. Whereas Gorgias' speech is meant to be a performance, Socrates is interested in a discussion. Philosophical conversation is concerned with dialectical definitions and essences, while rhetoric is concerned with mere appearances. Socrates compares the distinction to the difference between the way a chef prepares food, purely to impress the diners, to the way a nutritionist does, scientifically and using reason."

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