Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 12.2. Dionysius the LiberatorIn 397, Dionysius assembled a huge army of 80,000 men and a navy of 200 ships and sailed toward the western apex of Sicily, the stronghold…15h ago15h ago
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First Philosophers12.1 Dionysius the TyrantIn the dark ages of Greece between the Bronze Age and the birth of the alphabet in the eighth century BC, Greek civilization had spread far…2d ago2d ago
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.9. Plato on the AfterlifeAt the end of this early dialogue, Plato does something unprecedented: he provides a myth of the afterlife.[32] This will become a kind of…6d ago6d ago
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.8. Plato’s Defense of Socrates’ PoliticsSocrates had been studiously non-political. He had not embroiled himself in the political issues of the day, as vital as they often were…Sep 9Sep 9
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.7. Socrates in the Political ArenaWe noted that Plato begins this dialogue with a declaration of war. The Gorgias is a dialogue very unlike any other early dialogue Plato…Sep 6Sep 6
Daniel W. Graham, PhDinThe First PhilosophersPlato 11.6. The True StatesmanEarly in his discussion with Socrates, Callicles makes an ominous warning to Socrates:Sep 41Sep 41
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…Sep 2Sep 2
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…Aug 30Aug 30
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…Aug 28Aug 28
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