Gorgias (c. 483–c. 380 BC)

Greek orator and sophist from Sicily. He was the subject of a dialogue by Plato, who was deeply critical of his cynical view of the powers of persuasion. Gorgias was renowned for his obscure and sophisticated style. His Praise of Helen and Palamedes survive, in which he conducts elaborate and at times contrived defences of two mythical figures accused of treacherous conduct.