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Gorgias (Penguin Classics) Paperback – June 29, 2004
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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.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
- Print length208 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPenguin Classics
- Publication dateJune 29, 2004
- Dimensions5.05 x 0.48 x 7.76 inches
- ISBN-100140449043
- ISBN-13978-0140449044
- Lexile measure1230L
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About the Author
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.
Product details
- Publisher : Penguin Classics; Revised edition (June 29, 2004)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 208 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0140449043
- ISBN-13 : 978-0140449044
- Lexile measure : 1230L
- Item Weight : 5.7 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.05 x 0.48 x 7.76 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #161,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #366 in Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy
- #685 in Philosophy of Ethics & Morality
- #4,932 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Plato (428-348 BCE) was a philosopher and mathematician in ancient Greece. A student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle, his Academy was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely regarded as the father of modern philosophy.
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A review on the book in general not the content!!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2012This book is a required read for most philosophy programs across the country for both undergraduate and graduate studies. If you're not in a college class where you can find other minds to chew this with I would recommend reading journal articles or other writings from philosophers that responded in some way to the premise this author is putting forth.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2008This is a basic text when studying the theory of composition. It is tedious times, but explains rhetoric in the form of a play with Socrates as a main character. Not a light read but definately worth its weight in proverbial gold.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2016What can I say? It's Plato. It is what it is and I like it.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2014Like most Amazon orders, I got what I wanted, I got it fast, and I am very happy so far.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2012A lucid translation with very helpful commentary throughout. A physically well produced book. Helpful glossary. But with Plato, one always wishes for more.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2018Thin, light, soft cover book
- Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2018Personally, I'm not a fan of this dialogue (and not of Socrates generally), but I thought this translation was very precise and accurate. The notes at the beginning and end of each piece of dialogue are helpful in explaining the context, and the complicated logic that Socrates employs.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2012Just as a note to mention, but Plato is a sarchastic a"". The story here was intended for intro to political thought class, and I found the book is interesting at the least, but not worth my time outside of a classroom. Now The Prince by machiavelli was more my style. Meh.
Top reviews from other countries
- Kabaal van NapelsReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and rewarding read. Loved it!
Written in the 4th century BC, "Gorgias" by Plato is one of the great Socratic dialogues and founding stones of Western civilization. This time Socrates / Plato discusses the nature of rhetoric in relation to politics and government. The art of persuasion, the power of words and justice according to nature, versus the seeking of truth, living a good life and considering the welfare of citizens are this time at stake in discussions with his eternal opponents, the Sophists.
As with all of Plato’s works, “Gorgias” is jam packed with themes, and works at several levels. It therefore requires concentrated reading, but is in the end very rewarding. Especially the part of the ‘pitiful tyrant' I found compelling. Socrates states here that it is better to be a victim of evil than to inflict evil (and get away with it).
Inspired by Peter Adamson’s podcast and books, Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps, Volume 1, I have started reading the sources of philosophy. What better place to start than with Plato’s Socratic dialogues.