The Sophists

By: Maureen Lewis-StumpApril 19, 2011

Mr. Dunn’s Honors Philosophy

The Sophist’s beliefs

• They were not really philosophers, but a group of people that were known to be wise

• Many people came to hear their lectures about the nature of power and persuasion

Protagoras

• One of the first Sophists

• To achieve success, follow tradition because understanding them is in a persons best interest

• Man is the measure of all things

Protagoras

• Emphasized Relativism- There are no absolute values, there are no absolute truths

• FUN FACT: He was indicted because he wrote a book about how he could not know if the gods were real or not

Gorgias

• Wanted to “dethrone” philosophy

• His thesis: – There is nothing – If there were anything,

no one could know it – If anyone did know it,

no one could communicate it

• Taught how to win arguments

Thrasymachus

• Might makes right• Understanding of

morality is that what brings you more power is right

Callicles

• What matters is power, not justice • Power allows us to seek pleasure in

food, drink, and sex • Moderation is for the weak

Critias

• Thought rulers should have total control over their people

• They do this by instilling fear of non-existent gods into the masses

Good Things about the Sophists

• Good politicians• Contributors of Modern Democracy • Made humans aware of themselves

Thank- You

For Your Attention!