Callicles was a character in the philosophical dialogues of Plato, particularly in the dialogue called Gorgias. He is portrayed as a young Athenian who argues for a hedonistic view of life, suggesting that the pursuit of pleasure and power is the ultimate goal. Callicles believes that natural law favors the strong over the weak, advocating for a life led by one's desires. In his debate with Socrates, Callicles defends the idea that conventional morality is a construct designed to restrain the powerful. He challenges the notion of justice, claiming that it is better to be unjust if it leads to greater personal gain. This perspective highlights the tension between ethical philosophy and the pursuit of self-interest.