GORGIAS

The struggle which Plato has Socrates recommend to his interlocutorsin Gorgias - and to his readers - is the struggle to overcome thetemptations of worldly success and to concentrate on genuine morality. Ostensibly an enquiry into the value of rhetoric, the dialogue soonbecomes an investigation into the value of these two contrasting waysof life. In a series of dazzling and bold arguments, Plato attempts to establish that only morality can bring a person true happiness, andto demolish alternative viewpoints. It is not surprising that Gorgiasis 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. This new translation isaccompanied by explanatory notes and an informative introduction.