ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL ARGUMENTS PRESENT AT PALAMEDES DE GÓRGIAS

Abstract

The present research aims to analyse the method of discourse employed by Gorgias in his work entitled “The Defense of Palamedes” through an analytical philosophical appreciation of the text, based on the legal model adopted in Greece in the 5th century BC The research has as specific objectives to investigate the Gorgian method of defense in the Defense of Palamedes, to identify, in the same work, the rhetorical elements of persuasion employed by Gorgias, to understand the legal principles used by Gorgias in the work in question and to estimate which would be the real intention of Gorgias with the presentation of the Defense of Palamedes. We will deal in detail with two basic points pointed out in Palamedes' speech, which would be the absence of evidence and the verisimilitude of the allegations. An approach to these points will also be made in the light of the rhetorical manual proposed by Aristotle. The theme is relevant to the understanding of the development of philosophical reflections on legal processes and the means to effect persuasion. The understanding of these questions from ancient thinkers will shed light on the current discussions on these themes, enabling us to understand important aspects of this development as well as the transmission of these reflections over time.