[MD] The Art of Philosophy

[X Acto]

DmB,
There is a quote I had come accross from "Republic" or
"On Justice" as it was known in ancient times,regarding
the art of persuasion particularly regarding the love
of wisdom or "philosophy".  I found it particularly 
interesting because it really seemed on topic with what
we were discussing concerning the Art of Philosophy more
particularly, the subject matter of rhetoric.
 
Socrates skillfully crafts his reasons of what living a "good"
life consists of and that one who practices doing so leads
what we call a "just" life. But to Socrates aiming for the 
Good includes persuading others toward that aim as well.
The practice of the art of rhetoric then rates most high in
this regard in Quality, utility and greater Practical Good.
Also it defines the aim of law, Law "contrives to spread
happiness by bringing citizens into harmony with eachother
through persuasion or compulsion and by sharing the benefits
of each class with the community as a whole."
 
It would seem that living a good life includes helping others
to lead a good life and the goal and nature of wisdom is the
betterment of society to Socrates.
It seems to be the case however in "Gorgas" that Socrates villifies
rhetoric when it's misused for personal gain.Which is what Socrates
attacks regarding Sophistry. He disputes the nature of it's
utility and aim as less than the virtue it claims to strive toward.
The hole is dug, but little does Socrates knows he's digging two graves.
-Ron
..