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Rhetoric's Illusion Of Absolute Power
- In Gorgias Plato shows rhetoric claims absolute power but Socrates argues rhetoricians don't know the true good and so can't truly control others.
- Rhetoric's promise of unqualified power collapses when it meets ignorance about what truly benefits the soul.
Nature Versus Convention Debate
- Callicles argues nature justifies the strong ruling and laws are chains made by weak majorities.
- Plato frames this as a debate between nomos (law) and physis (nature) about what should govern human life.
Problems In 'Might Makes Right'
- Callicles claims natural justice means the naturally strong should rule and have more than others.
- Plato exposes tensions: if many claim strength or they make laws, Callicles' neat nature-vs-law opposition breaks down.