The Unity of Plato's 'gorgias': Rhetoric, Justice, and the Philosophic Life

by Devin Stauffer, Andrew M. Stauffer

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.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2002

About the author

Devin Stauffer (born 1970) is an American philosopher and Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at Austin. Previously he taught at Kenyon College and St. John's College in Annapolis. Stauffer is known for his works on classical and early modern political thought.