Gorgias is a Socratic dialogue depicting a conversation between Socrates and a small group of sophists at a dinner gathering. Socrates debates with the sophist seeking the true definition of rhetoric, attempting to pinpoint the essence of rhetoric and unveil the flaws of the sophistic oratory popular in Athens at the time. Although rhetoric has the potential to be used justly, Socrates believes that in practice, rhetoric is flattery; the rhetorician makes the audience feel worthy because they can identify with the rhetorician’s argument.

Gorgias was written by Plato around 380 BC. The text deals with themes of morality and truth, and whether or not rhetoric can be considered an art. Persuasion was widely considered necessary for political and legal advantage in classical Athens, and rhetoricians promoted themselves as teachers of this fundamental skill. Gorgias discusses the impacts of this, why rhetoric alone is not a moral endeavour, and why people need philosophy to teach them what is right.

This case laminate collector’s edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.