ARP #4 (C)

Due: September 23, 2008

 

Even though the following assignment asks you to focus on a very small portion of the Gorgias you must make sure you have read the whole dialogue and you should have notes and a basic outline (understanding) of the whole text—understand the argument and the issues being discussed.

 

After Polus finally drops to the side, soundly defeated by Socrates (?), Callicles (one of my favorite Socratic interlocutors) takes up the challenge (481b7). Develop a thesis that focuses on one of the issues and arguments associated with that issue that emerges in this discussion between Callicles and Socrates. There are a large number of possibilities here, but below are a few examples:

 

  1. At the beginning of the discussion Callicles proposes a conception of “natural” justice (482a ff). Is he right? How strong is his argument? Does Socrates do an adequate job refuting this argument? Can it be refuted? Numerous possible foci here.

 

  1. During his attempt to argue against Callicles’ conception of justice, Socrates focuses on the relation between justice, self-control (temperance), pleasure and the nature of desire. What is the argument about here? Why is it important to discuss desire in relation to justice? Or, pleasure? What is Socrates’ argument? What is Callicles’ argument? Which is stronger? Again, numerous possible theses here.

 

  1. Finally, near the end of their discussion, Socrates develops an argument against the life of the orator and for the life of philosophy. What is his argument here? How does, or how could, Callicles respond? How would you respond?

 

 

In working through your argument make sure you do three things:

 

  1. Have a clear; manageable thesis that provides structure and organization to your essay—and that requires some argumentation in its support.

 

  1. Analyze Socrates’ argument against Callicles here—don’t merely summarize, but analyze (examine relation between premise and conclusion, evaluate). Also, make this text based. You don’t have to quote—but indicate (using Stephanus numbers) where you find the points made by Socrates.

 

  1. Present your own argument. This can be about the text, about the implications of the encounter between Callicles and Socrates, about whether Callicles’ position is stronger or weaker that given credit for in the text, or any number of other possible things. Get interested in the broad issue and explore some possible avenues!