Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First Philosophers11.5 Does Might Make Right?At this point Socrates has effectively silenced Polus, showing, among other things, that committing injustice is more disgraceful and…2h ago2h ago
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.4. Power and GoodnessAs the debate between Socrates and Polus develops, Polus is shocked at Socrates’ contempt for orators and their alleged art. “How can you…3d ago3d ago
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.3. Oratory as a CraftAt this point Polus intervenes. He is offended by Socrates’ refutation and eager to defend his master. He challenges Socrates to say what…5d ago5d ago
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First Philosophers11.2 Gorgias on the Art of Public SpeakingWhen Polus starts to launch into a speech, Socrates brushes him aside. He wants a conversation, not a speech. He addresses Gorgias…Aug 26Aug 26
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.1 A Declaration of WarPlato’s dialogue Gorgias begins in medias res. Socrates arrives late to a public lecture given by the famous sophist Gorgias. His disciple…Aug 26Aug 26
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 10.6. Opposition to the Socratic MovementAgainst the Socratics were arrayed three notable figures: Anytus the politician, a leader of the restored democracy; Isocrates the teacher…Aug 21Aug 21
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 10.5. Pushback: The SophistAbout the same time that Isocrates published his pamphlet Against the Sophists, another pamphlet appeared — also an advertisement for an…Aug 19Aug 19
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 10.4 Pushback: The EducatorIn the intellectual world of Athens, too, things were looking up. Since the death of Socrates in 399 BC, the Socratics had been flooding…Aug 16Aug 16
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First Philosophers10.3 Isolating SpartaMeanwhile in Greece, the Pax Spartica was falling apart. At the end of the Peloponnesian War, the Peloponnesian League was victorious…Aug 12Aug 12
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 10.2 To the Victor the SpoilsAs one might expect, at the end of the Peloponnesian War, the victorious Spartans imposed their own regimes on subject states, usually with…Aug 9Aug 9