Chapter I (447-457) Summary and Analysis

When Socrates endeavors to question Gorgias about rhetoric, their discussion turns into an exposition of arguments between Socrates, Gorgias, and Polus. While defining rhetoric, Socrates provokes discussion as to the nature, influence, and practice of rhetoric. In the debate various moral, philosophical, and spiritual issues are raised.

Callicles, Socrates, and Chaerephon arrive at Callicles' house, where Socrates wants to listen to Gorgias declaim. He wants to learn the art of rhetoric from Gorgias. Questioning Gorgias is to unveil his conversation skills and show his conversational abilities. When asking a single question, Gorgias is to meet the challenge of responding to anything that is asked. Chaerephon also propels Polus to present his conversational skills. As mastering a skill involves professional description, they try to define the way skills are mastered, which involves gaining experience. Lack of experience reduces...