Socrates’ Ethical Argument for His Eschatology in the Gorgias

What is it about?

This paper argues that Socrates has an argument for the afterlife story he tells at the end of the Gorgias. This argument proceeds from the ethical position that he has been defending through most of the dialogue, plus his conviction that the universe is structured in accordance with the principles of justice. Once we see that Socrates does have an argument for his story, it helps make clear why he calls it an "account" (a logos) and not merely a "tale" (a muthos). This argument also helps us discern the nature of the punishments and rewards awaiting people in the afterlife.

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