Sophists

Sophists (Greek sophistēs, “expert, master craftsman, man of wisdom”), originally, name applied by the ancient Greeks to learned men, such as the Seven Wise Men of Greece; in the 5th century bc, a name applied to itinerant teachers who provided instruction in several higher branches of learning for a fee.

Individuals sharing a broad philosophical outlook rather than a school, the sophists popularized the ideas of various early philosophers; but, based on their understanding of this prior philosophical thought, most of them concluded that truth and morality were essentially matters of opinion. Thus, in their own teaching, they tended to emphasize forms of persuasive expression, such as the art of rhetoric, which provided pupils with skills useful for achieving success in life, particularly public life.

The sophists were popular for a time, especially in Athens; however, their sceptical view on absolute truth and morality eventually provoked sharp criticism. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle challenged the philosophical basis of the Sophists' teaching, and Plato and Aristotle further condemned them for taking money. Later, they were accused by the state of lacking morality. As a result, the word sophist acquired a derogatory meaning, as in the modern term sophistry, which can be defined as subtle and deceptive or false argumentation or reasoning.

The sophists were of minor importance in the development of Western philosophical thought. They were, however, the first to systematize education. Leading 5th-century sophists included Protagoras, Gorgias, Hippias of Elis, and Prodicus of Ceos.