Gorgias — Questions and answers
Read the full story
What was the main idea of Gorgias's famous work, the "Encomium of Helen"?
Choices
- A) It was a story about the Trojan Horse.
- B) It was a speech blaming Helen for the Trojan War.
- C) It was a defense arguing Helen should not be blamed for the Trojan War. ✓
- D) It was a poem praising the gods.
Answer: C) It was a defense arguing Helen should not be blamed for the Trojan War.
From page 3
What was the main disagreement between Socrates and Gorgias in Plato's dialogue?
Choices
- A) Whether rhetoric should be used for fun or for work.
- B) Whether rhetoric is useful only for justice and truth, or for any purpose. ✓
- C) Who was the better teacher.
- D) If Plato should write dialogues.
Answer: B) Whether rhetoric is useful only for justice and truth, or for any purpose.
From page 5
Why did Socrates criticize Gorgias and other sophists?
Choices
- A) He thought their speeches were too short.
- B) He believed they prioritized persuasion over truth and justice. ✓
- C) He didn't like traveling teachers.
- D) He wanted to be a sophist himself.
Answer: B) He believed they prioritized persuasion over truth and justice.
From page 6
In which fields are Gorgias's ideas about persuasive arguments still important today?
Choices
- A) Cooking, gardening, and sports.
- B) Law, politics, and advertising. ✓
- C) Art, music, and dance.
- D) Science, math, and history.
Answer: B) Law, politics, and advertising.
From page 7
What can we become by understanding Gorgias's ideas?
Choices
- A) Better at telling jokes.
- B) More informed and responsible communicators. ✓
- C) Famous philosophers overnight.
- D) People who never have to speak.
Answer: B) More informed and responsible communicators.
From page 9