The two topics that grasped my attention in Gorgias by Plato was the discussion of rhetoric and the discussion of happiness.
Socrates began to inquire to Gorgias about what rhetoric really is. Gorgias believes that rhetoric is a profession in speech which covers important aspects of life, and has the ability to persuade people. However, Socrates states that all professions involve speech. Eventually Socrates states that there is no expertise in rhetoric. It is more of a "knack" to gain pleasure. I agree with Socrates' statements. Rhetoric seems to be a skill one has and develops on their own, but I wonder if Socrates means if everyone has the skill, and that some people develop this skill very well. I believe that is why Socrates is describing being a rhetorician as being Examples that Socrates uses as true professions requiring education and are not about flattery are doctors and businessmen. Is it possible for a person who has a "knack" for cutting to be able to become a surgeon without going to medical school? He also compares rhetoric to "cookery". They are just skills that people have to please others. I do believe that the art of rhetoric and conversations are skills that one can possess, and that there is no education or learning involved. Is this possibly why you would not find anyone today who is a "rhetorician"?
The text then transitions to Socrates and Polus discussing happiness using a criminal as an example. Socrates says that the criminal is already in a wretched state, and not being caught makes him feel even worse and continue to do bad. (472e) I disagree with this statement somewhat. Does Socrates feel that being arrested will free the criminal of his pain and wrong doings? I believe that a criminal is indeed unhappy, and this is what causes him to do crimes. However, the criminal acts he commits brings him pleasure, and this is why he commits those acts. I agree with Polus that the criminal will not be happy if he is caught. If he is caught, his problems are still not solved, and he can't do anything to make himself feel better. Would any criminal be happy that they were Polus states that being caught and tortured is not as pleasant than avoiding being arrested.
