When Socrates says, “knowledge and belief are not the same . . .” and then goes on to say, “both those who have learned and those who believe have been persuaded” (454 d - e), he attempts to get to the root of what rhetoric is. Essentially, rhetoric is not required to be based in fact. While it is true that some rhetoric may be based wholly on fact and can be used to persuade those who have learned, it is also true that it can be based on belief. Whether or not the topic at hand is belief or fact doesn’t matter, as rhetoric can be applied in either case. Socrates is trying to get Gorgias to admit that rhetoric may not be as great and noble as Gorgias says it is.
2.) Gorgias states, “ . . . I suppose that if he does not possess this knowledge,…show more content… Socrates believes that justice brings happiness because it is good for the soul. To be punished and to face justice is to be happy. Polus is of the opinion that as long as you do what is desirable to you then you will be happy. Socrates understands that satisfaction of desires is insatiable, and that doing whatever you want will not bring happiness. He argues that being just is good for the soul, while Polus advocates for pleasing yourself regardless of morality or the consequences of your…show more content… He considers it a fine thing to study for the purpose of education in your youth, but as you grow into adulthood it should be cast away. Callicles goes so far as to say that philosophy would do Socrates no good in a situation in which he would be sent off to jail, and then convicted. Callicles is saying that while philosophy would do nothing to save him, rhetoric would easily do Socrates good in such a situation. Should Socrates find himself wrongly accused, the power of rhetoric could save his life. Philosophy is a childish thing, while rhetoric is powerful and
