Gorgias

The classic political dialogue, as relevant today as in Plato's time

Taking the form of a dialogue between Socrates, Gorgias, Polus and Callicles, Gorgias debates perennial questions about the nature of government and those who aspire to public office. Are high moral standards essential or should we give our preference to the pragmatist who gets things done or negotiates successfully? Should individuals be motivated by a desire for personal power and prestige, or genuine concern for the moral betterment of the citizens? These questions go to the heart of Athenian democratic principles and are more relevant than ever in today's political climate.

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Reference System Used in this Edition
Chronolgy
Introduction
Further Reading
A Note on the Text

Gorgias
A: Dialogue with Gorgias
B: Dialogue with Polus
C: Dialogue with Callicles

Notes
Glossary of Greek Terms
Index

Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.) founded the Academy in Athens, the prototype of all Western universities, and wrote more than twenty philosophical dialogues.  

Walter Hamilton taught at Cambridge, Eton and Rugby and translated several Platonic texts for Penguin Classics.

Chris Emlyn-Jones teaches in the department of Classical Studies at the Open University and has published on Homer and Plato.