Gorgias defines rhetoric as “that which gives to men freedom in their own persons, and to individuals the power of ruling over others in their several states” (482). Gorgias then asks, “What is there greater than the word which persuades the judges in the courts, or the senators in the council, or the citizens in the assembly…?” (482). To which Socrates responds by emphasizing truth, saying, “I am one of those who are very willing to be refuted if I say anything which is not true, and very willing to refute any one else who says what is not true, and quite as ready to be refuted as to refute; for I hold that this is the greater gain of the two, just as the gain is greater of being cured of a very great evil than of curing another” (487).
Utilizing reasoning offered by both Gorgias and Socrates from this piece, differentiate truth and persuasion. Which is the greater quality?
Utilizing reasoning offered by both Gorgias and Socrates from this piece, differentiate truth and persuasion. Which is the greater quality?