Rhetor vs. Philosopher

I share the concerns of Socrates and Plato regarding the possible misuse of the sophistic rhetoric espoused by Gorgias.  Any time the aim of the speaker is to capture the hearts and minds of the audience, I get uncomfortable.  This sort of rhetoric is often found in religion, and seems to lead to the development of a cult of personality, not a cult of theology.  Plato separates the rhetor (Gorgias)  from the philosopher (himself), and claims that they have different goals.  He insists that genuine investigation of a subject (through use of the dialectic) is better than rhetorical victory (through the use of persuasion).  It is clear that the gifted orator is not necessarily an ethical person, nor an intelligent one.  As scholars, we must develop sense of skepticism about charismatic people, who can too often lead others astray.

I'm late, I'm late!

It is Sunday and I am just getting around to doing the reading.  I will be blogging soon, I hope.  Sorry to be late on the assignment.  Do you suppose Aristotle and Plato had to do laundry and mow the lawn?