A position represented by the character of Thrasymachus. In the context of The Republic, it is the view that morality is merely the glorified self-interest of weaker people.

A method of discussion aimed at establishing truth through the clarification of ideas. The interlocutor in a dialogue is a partner in a common endeavour rather than an opponent.

The opposite of the dialectic method. Instead of aiming at mutual understanding the goal is the refutation and defeat of one’s interlocutor.