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Plato Rhetoric And Politics Essay

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Examining the Relevance of Plato's Insights on Rhetoric and Politics Today
Throughout history, political power has been sought not just through strength and authority, but also through the strategic use of language in rhetoric. Plato's Gorgias examines this phenomenon, emphasizing the damaging effects of such rhetoric in politics and advocating for a shift in the way we engage in politics today. Through his dialogue between Socrates and various characters, Plato portrays a society in which rhetoric, rather than morality, is used as a way to pursue power. By exposing the parallel between the soul and the city, he explains the corruption of employing rhetoric for political gain and calls for a renewed emphasis on moral leadership. Through Plato's Gorgias, it is evident that rhetoric is used to achieve short-term success in …show more content…

In which Socrates thinks that “nothing is so great an evil for a human being as false opinion” (458b). Thus, only morality can ensure long-term success within both entities and true justice can be restored by those with experienced insight which ultimately implores individuals to lead morally rather than manipulate with rhetoric. This calls for education since with proper instruction moral leadership would be encouraged over deceptive practices. In essence, Plato suggests that it’s essential to re-establish democracy based on morality because rhetoric is antithetical to true justice.
Rhetoric can be seen as an alluring yet powerful tool for those who wish to deceive for their own benefit. Throughout Gorgias this notion is further explored when examined from different perspectives. Ultimately, it is clear that those who pursue power through deceptive rhetoric are critically misguided, often bringing unnecessary pain or suffering due to their selfish ambition. Even if some feel tempted by its appealing

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