The Unity of Plato's 'Gorgias'

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.