Dr. Andrew Wood Office: HGH 210; phone: (408) 924-5378 Email: wooda@email.sjsu.edu Web: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/wooda

We launch into our discussion of classical rhetoric with an account of the feud between philosophers and sophists. This pitched battle gains advocates on both sides, and each group is willing to stretch the truth a bit to define their opponents. By way of illustration, we explore an excerpt from Plato's Gorgias in which the philosopher defines the art of oratory in less than flattering terms.

Reading: Plato (Gorgias)

Notes: Gorgias

Off-campus webpages

Internet Classics Archive: Gorgias

Hoffman: Justice and Self: A reading of Plato's Gorgias

Note: These pages exist outside of San Jose State University servers and their content is not endorsed by the page maintainer or any other university entity. These pages have been selected because they may provide some guidance or insight into the issues discussed in class. Because one can never step into the same electronic river twice, the pages may or may not be available when you request them. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Dr. Andrew Wood.