Gorgias (Agora Editions) Paperback – October 15, 1998

I give this book 5 stars just for the 2 commentaries that contained in here. The first essay discusses rhetoric and how it is being utilized in Gorgias and in Phedrus. The second essay (that comes after the translation) discusses the Gorgias itself in greater details. I believe that if you are serious in studying Plato, you need to read the commentaries. Plato's work is complex and multi dimensional, its essence cannot be understood on the first reading or by reading the text alone without the commentaries.My interpretation of Gorgias which slightly differs from Nichols is the following:While Nichols argues that in Gorgias Socrates attempts to find the best form or rhetorics to "persuade" the demos of Athens. I argue that in Gorgias, Socrates acknowledges that rhetoric is a necessary part of dialectic, even though it is not sufficient. Dialectic by itself is incapable of persuading people, rhetoric, however, because it lacks the true knowledge, only gives us beliefs. Socrates argument is that both rhetoric and dialectice are needed. He illustrates this in several places in which he relies on Gorgias to persuade Callices to continue with the argument. Without Gorgias (ie without rhetoric) the dialectic between Socrates and Callicles will end in an impasse. Rhetoric, after all is needed for dialectic to reach its conclusion.Just like in the Republic, Gorgias ends with a myth, and not a logos.

I love the binding on this edition. I had to get it to read for school and it is a beautiful copy.

Nichols' translation of Gorgias is indeed impressive. I have heard and read other translations of Gorgias- but the word choice of those other translation is too unadmirable(like "knack"-a word that is not fitted with Platonic dialogues). Nichols keeps consistent and easily understandable words. He doesn't go about saying "smart" words- unlike others who seem to try and exhaust their vocab. before they finish the work.

Description did not say the book was absolutely ruined by having every page marked-up like hell. It's practically unreadable.