Teacher of rhetoric, to make the weaker side appear the stronger. Protagoras of Abdera the most prominent Sophist 490-420 BC - "Man is the measure of things" o Relativism? Does this mean that each person can judge the truth of a proposition and there is no basis besides opinion for determining the truth? o Idealism? Does it mean that we cannot talk about a reality which exists outside of human existence? Sophist: · Sophistication · Sophistry (false reasoning) Relativism- no truth only opinions. The problem is that, it does not work for me. Socrates 469-399 BC · Poor (taught for free) · Ugly (in a culture that highly prized physical beauty) Four sources for his life and philosophy: - Xenophon (Conversations with Socrates); - Plato (Dialogues); - Aristophanes (The Clouds); - Aristotle (various references in his philosophical works)
More than all else it drives me to despair. CLEANTE That box must hide some mighty mystery? ORGON Argas, my friend who is in trouble, brought it Himself, most secretly, and left it with me. He chose me, in his exile, for this trust; And on these documents, from what he said, I judge his life and property depend. CLEANTE How could you trust them to another's hands? ORGON By reason of a conscientious scruple. I went straight to my traitor, to confide In him; his sophistry made me believe That I must give the box to him to keep, So that, in case of search, I might deny My having it at all, and still, by favour Of this evasion, keep my conscience clear Even in taking oath against the truth. CLEANTE Your case is bad, so far as I can see; This deed of gift, this trusting of the secret To him, were both--to state my frank opinion-- Steps that you took too lightly; he can lead you To any length, with these for hostages; And since he holds you at such disadvantage,
annaabi.ee 
