Socrates suggests that rhetoric (as it is practiced by Gorgeous) is not an area of expertise (or craft, the Greek term that Waterfleld translates with ‘area of expertise’ is ‘tekhne’) but rather merely a branch of flattery and as such a mere knack. What does this mean? What reasons does Socrates give for thinking this? Be sure to explain the key concepts: area of expertise, knack, rhetoric (hint: the definition Socrates drags out of Gorgias is what is being assumed in the discussion), and flattery. Be sure to explain just what the distinction between an area of expertise (tekhne) and a mere knack comes to, and well as what sort of mere knack flattery is.
Aim to be ready to write an essay of around 600 to 750 words. An excellent essay will say something by way of critically examining and evaluating Socrates’ critique of rhetoric.