 There is a second feature of technê that is vital for understanding its importance to Plato. In the Gorgias, technê is distinguished from empeiria not only by its ability to give an account but also because it seeks the welfare of its object. The physician and the physical trainer seek the welfare of the body, just as the judge and the legislator seek the welfare of the soul (464c). These features of technê figure in one of Plato’s persistent themes, the knowledge needed to rule the city. One of its most important occurrences is in the Republic, where Socrates characterizes ruling as a kind of technê that looks out after the welfare of the city (Rep. 342e). But in other dialogues as well, the authentic ruler has a knowledge, both practical and theoretical, that allows him to achieve what is good for the city. In fact, the passage just cited from the Laws is part of an analogy to explain why the legislator should be able to explain to the citizens the reasons behind the law, and presumably why the law is good for the city.