nderstand. He poses questions to himself, such as “Tell me Socrates, what is the art of arithmetic?” (451), merely to show Gorgias what type of answers he expects.Hypothetical questioning is a reoccurring theme in Socrates’ many speeches during the dialogue. He does so during his conversations with all three interlocutors and it is this subtle difference that distinguishes his speeches from those of Polus and Callicles. By stating his beliefs in the form of hypothetical questions, as he does with Gorgias (451-2), and then later with Polus (469) and Callicles (493), Socrates avoids making forcefully opinionated statements. When he does choose to push his opinions, he invites his interlocutors to “hear what I have to say and then raise objections if you like.” (478) For the most part, Socrates’ speeches are based solely upon further explaining his points, rather than all at once forming and concluding his opinions.In the case of Polus and Callicles, it is evident that their training as sophists is used throughout their dialogue. Both often find themselves being led in a discussion by Socrates, only to have to fight their way out by use of rhetoric speeches. Despite their efforts, however, Socrates is neither impressed nor deceived.Before his dialogue with Polus, Socrates asks that he “keep in check the tendency to make long speeches which [he] showed at the beginning of our conversation.” (461) Polus keeps his speechmaking in check for quite a time, however he does not abandon his use of oratory. While Socrates attempts to keep the discussion in a questioning manner, Polus continually tries to lead Socrates’ responses. Polus, at one point, asks, “can they [orators] not kill whoever they please, like dictators, and inflict confiscation and banishment on anyone they choose?”, to which Socrates replies, “I swear Polus, whenever you open your mouth I’m in...
