A Few Good Rhetoricians

In Gorgias, one theme that particularly struck a chord with me is known as "The Judgement of Naked Souls". This account comes from the myth of Tartarus, a prison created for the unjust. While this is regarded as a myth, Socrates chooses to treat is as truth (Gorgias, 123, 523a). Socrates states that the trials leading to the sentencing of men (a myth often recreated in religion, most notably Christianity) are often judged badly on account of the fine clothing, accoutrements, and nobility (or birthright) that the accused adorn themselves with:

Hence many," he said, "who have base souls are clothed in fine bodies,ancestry, and wealth, and when the trial takes place, many witnesses go with them to bear witness that they have lived justly; the judges, then are driven out of their senses by these men, and at the same time pass judgement clothed as well, with eyes and ears and the whole body, like a screen, covering over their soul." (Gorgias, 124, 523c-523d.)

As we can see in this clip from "A Few Good Men", Col. Nathan Jessup appears on the witness stand in his dress military uniform, adorned with various military decorations. A further look shows that Col. Jessup holds the same rank as the judge presiding over the case, as well as being a member of the same branch of the military. His manner of speech, also, is such that the question at hand ("Did you order the Code Red?") is being readily ignored and a speech extolling the virtues of the Marine Corps core values are presented instead. From my experience, this is a rather common tactic employed by some  service members to justify their actions, be it virtuous or not.

These attributes are far from naked, and could imply that an outcome favorable to Col. Jessup is likely. We have seen all too often celebrities, athletes (both collegiate and professional), and socialites receive a lesser penalty or no penalty in the face of transgressions, based solely on what they represent or the importance that society has placed upon them. They are "cloaked" in fame, wealth, and notoriety.

(One could even claim that Lt.j.g. Kaffee is employing Socratic Inquiry to cause Col. Jessup to arrive at the truth. )

In this scene, Col. Jessup becomes "naked" when he reveals that he, in fact, did order the "Code Red". It is at this moment when the veil of privilege (in this case rank) is stripped away and we see this once respected and feared man for what he truly is.

In Socrates's monologue he states that:

"...one must try them naked, without all these things; for they must be tried when they are dead."(Gorgias, 124, 523e.)

Metaphorically, Col. Jessup is dead, as he is no longer in command of his troops, and his fate is not within his control. The courtroom is like death, in that those who have entered will not live as they once did.