Gorgias Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter IV (480-491) Summary

Chapter IV (480-491) Summary and Analysis

Only justice can assure getting rid of evil that otherwise persists. To do wrong requires being brought to justice that is equal to curing from the disease of the soul. Socrates views those who commit crimes in need of denouncing so that the crime can be revealed and penalty obtained so that growth is allowed. Also, rhetoric shouldn't be used to defend injustice that is the greatest evil.

There are various criteria that can be used to judge whether something is wrong. Callicles regards different types of wrong actions as related to whether they are judged according to nature or convention. Those who suffer wrong should have the ability to help themselves which makes them strong. Those who make laws and conventions do that because they are weak themselves. When such laws are enforced it can frighten those who are stronger so that they can be superior while they are...
(read more)