The Dynasty of Logos. Gorgias’ Fight for Helen

Abstract

The article investigates the irresistable persuasive power of speech. As Gorgias stressed in his Encomium of Helen – “speech is the powerful master†(dynastes megas). It alters the mind and the persuaded cannot choose but is forced to obey. Gorgiasian “rhetoric†speech is neither music, poetic nor philosophic, it’s persuasive power comes neither from enchantment nor from revealed truth. To refute the bad reputation and to alter the traditional public opinion does not require proof, but rather the possibility of alternatives.