In Plato’s dialogue Gorgias, Socrates argues against Polus an ancient Greek orator, that tyrants and orators do not, in fact do what they want, instead they do what they see fit. As a result of this claim, Socrates believes tyrants and orators have the least power in their cities. This paper will primarily argue Socrates’s views through the definition of power, who holds the “real” power, that some things are inherently bad, and that there are different views of morality.
The argument that Socrates sets forth states “If a person does whatever he sees most fit to do when he lacks intelligence, is this still ‘having power?’” (466e). Socrates and Polus agree that power in the most rudimental sense is based on goodness. And as such, if an individual …show more content…
One main point Socrates mentions is that power is based on goodness, but what is good or bad in society is often changed. For example, in ancient times it was acceptable to stone someone to death, nowadays this is viewed as inhumane. Socrates further claims that if a person lacks intelligence they cannot yield power. This is proven wrong daily. A modern day example would be a workplace with a boss that lacks intelligence. The employee maybe more educated than the boss, but due to the system, the boss holds power over the employee. Similarly, this can be seen with the President of the United States Donald Trump. In many people’s eyes the President lacks intellect, yet he still holds one of the most prestigious and powerful positions on …show more content…
So, if I see fit to have any one of these people you see here put to death right on the spot, to death he’ll be put... Suppose you didn’t believe me and I showed you the dagger. On seeing it, you’d be likely to say, But Socrates, everybody could have great power that way... But then that’s not what having great power is, doing what one sees fit... This is punishment, and being punished is a bad thing and does not constitute as power” (469e). To this it can be argued that what is viewed as good or bad is very individualistic. Things such as religion, location, and morality all differ for many individuals, and as a result, people view goodness differently. In this example, if the individual thinks it is good to cut down any one of those people, then he is doing what he sees fit regardless of whether one views it good or bad. In a sense nothing can be good for everyone. If Socrates believes that power must be good, then if nothing is all good, is there really power at
The argument that Socrates sets forth states “If a person does whatever he sees most fit to do when he lacks intelligence, is this still ‘having power?’” (466e). Socrates and Polus agree that power in the most rudimental sense is based on goodness. And as such, if an individual …show more content…
One main point Socrates mentions is that power is based on goodness, but what is good or bad in society is often changed. For example, in ancient times it was acceptable to stone someone to death, nowadays this is viewed as inhumane. Socrates further claims that if a person lacks intelligence they cannot yield power. This is proven wrong daily. A modern day example would be a workplace with a boss that lacks intelligence. The employee maybe more educated than the boss, but due to the system, the boss holds power over the employee. Similarly, this can be seen with the President of the United States Donald Trump. In many people’s eyes the President lacks intellect, yet he still holds one of the most prestigious and powerful positions on …show more content…
So, if I see fit to have any one of these people you see here put to death right on the spot, to death he’ll be put... Suppose you didn’t believe me and I showed you the dagger. On seeing it, you’d be likely to say, But Socrates, everybody could have great power that way... But then that’s not what having great power is, doing what one sees fit... This is punishment, and being punished is a bad thing and does not constitute as power” (469e). To this it can be argued that what is viewed as good or bad is very individualistic. Things such as religion, location, and morality all differ for many individuals, and as a result, people view goodness differently. In this example, if the individual thinks it is good to cut down any one of those people, then he is doing what he sees fit regardless of whether one views it good or bad. In a sense nothing can be good for everyone. If Socrates believes that power must be good, then if nothing is all good, is there really power at