Description
The “Pro” and “Con” Essay Format
Pro Essay (5 pages)
Pro Introduction: The author (fill in) argues for the following controversial conclusion: (give
conclusion). He supports this conclusion with the following premises: (a) (give first premise)
and (b) (give second premise). This essay will examine each premise in the light of objectors
and then defend the author from these objections.
The possible objection to the first premise (give the objection(s)).
Reply to the first objection (give pointed reply).
The possible objection to the second premise (give the objection(s)).
Reply to the second objection (give pointed reply).
Theoretical observation (this is a broad theoretical groundwork upon which the whole argument
rests)
Significance (this is a concrete example from the world in which these issues play out today).
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Surname 1
Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Gorgias Oratory Argument
The author Gorgias argues for the following controversial conclusion: oratory is the source of
freedom and power to mankind and is the greater good. He supports these conclusions with the
following premises: (a) oratory is a producer of persuasion and (b) oratory can be used to
persuade by speeches judges in a law court, councilors in a council meeting, and assemblymen in
an assembly or in any other political gathering that might take place. This essay will examine
each premise in the light of objectors and then defend the author from these objections.
Objection 1
Objection
To this premise, Socrates first argues about the form of persuasion that Gorgias is
speaking about. He first asks; “suppose I were to ask you which of the painters Zeuxis is. If you
told me that he’s the one who paints pictures, wouldn’t it be fair for me to ask, “of what pictures
is he the painter, and where?” (p.9). Gorgias replies that it would be fair to which Socrates states
that there are different types of painters. However, if there were no one beside Zeuxis, then it
would be a good one. In this objection, Socrates seems not to be convinced that oratory is just a
form of persuasion. How can persuasion be the greater good when there are other forms of
Surname 2
greater good such as wealth and health? These are some of the questions that Socrates asks as he
tries to understand more about oratory from Gorgias’ perspective.
The terms greater good and persuasion are brought to question as Gorgias seems not to
have wholly identified the form of persuasion which he was referring. How could it lead to the
conclusion that oratory was the on...