The Good in Plato's Gorgias

Abstract

Socrates teaches in the Gorgias that human goodness or virtue includes concern for the good of others, while at the same time asserting that no one should act except for the sake of his own good. The simplest way of avoiding incompatibility between these doctrines of altruism and egoism is to interpret Socrates as holding that virtue, including concern for others, is an instrumental means to our own good. Looked at in this light the doctrine of altruism in question is not at odds with that of egoism but forms part of it. However, while this is the simplest way of avoiding incompatibility, it does not fit with Socrates' teaching on the nature of man's good. In this paper I shall first recall briefly that Socrates does teach the doctrines I have referred to. I shall then go on to argue that he avoids a clash by making virtue not subordinate to our good but identical with its sovereign component. '

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