Plato, an early Greek philosopher, composed "Gorgias" as a Socratic conversation about 380 BC. It is named after the dialogue's main character, the famous Greek sophist Gorgias. The discussion examines a number of philosophical and rhetorical subjects, such as the essence of rhetoric, the search of knowledge, and the effectiveness of persuasion. The dialogue starts with Socrates conversing with Gorgias, who is renowned for his rhetorical prowess. Gorgias is questioned by Socrates over the moral implications of eloquence and its genuine nature. Through their conversation, Socrates refutes Gorgias' beliefs and makes the case that genuine wisdom and virtue are more important than mere persuasion. The conversation then moves on to further participants, including Callicles, a well-known Athenian politician, and Polus, another young sophist. The essence of justice, morality, and the use of power are further explored in these conversations. The "Gorgias" by Plato addresses important issues on the morality and function of persuasion. It criticizes the dishonest use of language for self-advancement and promotes the quest for truth and the development of virtue. The fact that "Gorgias" is still a well-known work in the Platonic corpus shows how engaged Plato is with sophistry and how crucial ethical reasoning is to the search for the truth.
During the Classical era of ancient Greece, the philosopher Plato was born in Athens. He established the Academy, the first university on the European continent, as well as the Platonist school of philosophy. His interpretation of Plotinus had a significant impact on both Islam and Christianity. His theory of Forms, sometimes known as Platonism, is his most well-known contribution. He is also the inspiration for the Platonic solids and Platonic love. Plato was one of the most important figures in the ancient world, and his body of work is said to have persisted unaltered for more than 2,400 years. Even though little of his predecessors' writings have survived, it is believed that he had a significant impact on the works of Socrates, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, and Parmenides. On a tract of land in the Grove of Hecademus or Academus, a mythical Attic figure, Plato built it. The Academy remained in operation until Lucius Cornelius Sulla demolished it in 84 BC. Seneca claims that Plato passed away on the day of his birth at the age of 81. The Suda reports that he lived to be 82 years old, but Neanthes states that he was 84 years old. Tertullian said that Plato merely passed away while sleeping. By will, Plato bequeathed his Iphistiadae land to a younger relative.
