The unity of Plato's Gorgias : rhetoric, justice, and the philosophic life / Devin Stauffer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stauffer, Devin, 1970- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Plato. Gorgias.

Plato.

Justice (Philosophy).

Rhetoric--Philosophy.

Rhetoric.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (vii, 191 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Stauffer demonstrates the complex unity of Plato's Gorgias through a careful analysis of the dialogue's three main sections. This includes Socrates' famous argumentative duel with Callicles, a passionate critic of justice and philosophy, showing how the seemingly disparate themes of rhetoric, justice and the philosophic life are woven together into a coherent whole. His interpretation of the Gorgias sheds new light on Plato's thought, showing that Plato and Socrates had a more favourable view of rhetoric than is usually supposed. Stauffer also challenges common assumptions concerning the character and purpose of some of Socrates' most famous claims about justice. Written as a close study of the Gorgias, Stauffer also treats broad questions concerning Plato's moral and political psychology and uncovers the view of the relationship between philosophy and politics that guided Plato as he wrote his dialogues.

Contents:

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.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 183-187) and index.

ISBN:

1-107-15615-7

1-139-13163-X

0-511-14704-X

0-511-14602-7

0-511-49900-0

0-511-14646-9

OCLC:

171138052