The Sophists By: Maureen Lewis-Stump April 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: –T–There is nothing –I–If there were anything, no one could know it –I–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!