Gorgias Flashcards
(9 cards)
Who was Gorgias?
A Sicilian philosopher and rhetorician active around 490-485 BC
What did Gorgias contribute to Athens in 427 BC?
He was part of a diplomatic mission that introduced rhetoric
What are the three key propositions presented by Gorgias?
- Nothing exists
- Even if it exists, it is incomprehensible to humans
- Even if understandable, it is impossible to express or explain to others
What does Esquilo’s poem imply about identity?
It suggests a strong connection between son and father with the phrase ‘the son is me’
What are the four possible reasons mentioned in Ilibar Helena?
- Need of fate
- Physical violence
- Persuasion of speech
- Strength of love
How does Gorgias describe the power of discourse?
As a means to evoke terror, compassion, and nostalgic longing through measured poetry
True or False: Gorgias believes that there is only one truth.
False
What is the moral responsibility associated with speech according to Gorgias?
To consider whether a speech is inspired by truth or merely persuasive
Fill in the blank: Gorgias considers all poetry as a _______.
[discourse with measure in verse]
