Gorgias (World's Classics)

by Plato (Author), RobinWaterfield (Editor)

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.25

  I appeal to you to engage in this struggle, which is as worthwhile as any you'll find in this world. The struggle which Plato has Socrates recommend to his interlocutors in Gorgias - and to his readers - is the struggle to overcome the temptations of worldly success, and to concentrate on genuine morality. Ostensibly an enquiry into the value of rhetoric, the dialogue soon becomes an investigation into the value of these two contrasting ways of life. In a series of bold arguments, Plato attempts to establish that only morality can bring a person true happiness and to demolish alternative viewpoints. It is not suprising that Gorgias is one of Plato's most widely read dialogues. Philosophers read it for its coverage of central moral issues, others enjoy its vividness, clarity and occasional bitter humour.

• Used

  Paperback
  1973

  $3.63

• New

  Paperback
  1990

  $34.37

  This paperback edition of Dodds's standard edition of Plato's Gorgias is designed to meet the needs both of undergraduates and professional scholars. The text and apparatus criticus are based on a fresh survey of the evidence: two major manuscripts are here for the first time fully collated, and account has been taken both of new papyri and of the exceptionally rich indirect tradition. The text is supplemented by a full introduction giving details on the subject and structure of the dialogue, its characters and intended historical setting, the real date of composition, and the background to Plato and Athens at the time of composition. The commentary, besides explaining Platonic usages and discussing textual points, aims to treat the historical, philosphical, and literary questions which arise from the text.