Gorges Reading Questions (Sep 19)

1. a.) Gorgias’ definition of rhetoric embraces the sophistical philosophy in a couple ways. He explains that he is not a sophist, but do to some of his writings he has been regarded as one of the best Sophists of his time. He has a sophist spin do to his emphasis on teaching. He traveled around drawing huge crowds of students that were captivated by his speech. He would emphasize this power of rhetoric and speech as a tool that was highly crucial and was even one of the possible reasons that Helen cause the Trojan War.
b.) My own definition of rhetoric is similar to Grogias’. I have noticed that speech really does have a strong pull on peoples emotions, critical thinking, and even their wellbeing. The ability to use speech as this tool takes a special kind of person that has unlocked some kind of higher knowledge. Whenever the best writers write a piece of work, there is something deep down that has clicked for them in their minds that allow them to swiftly illustrate their opinions and views. Gorgias’ mentioned a little about this higher knowledge that allows for his student increased critical thinking skills.

2. In the Encomium, Gorgias’ is trying to essentially, save Helen and her name from he damage and shame that has been brought down by her actions. He illustrates her innocence through 4 possible reasons that influenced her action to do what she did. In these 4 reasons he talks about the role of the divine (the gods) and predisposition. As well as the powerful function of speech. He advocates for the destruction of ignorance and injustice that has been placed upon Helen’s name. It is clear that his opinion is conflicted towards the majority of society that strongly disagrees and believes that Helen’s status is below that of a prostitute.