The First Sophist and Grammarian: Protagoras of Abdera
Traveling extensively throughout Greece during his lifetime, Protagoras was born in Abdera, Thrace around 490 B.C.E. and passed away around 420 B.C.E. It is widely believed that Protagoras spent a significant amount of time in Athens during his travels, but as a Sophist, he likely journeyed throughout Greece to engage with unique students.
Before delving into Protagoras, it is important to note a few cautions. We have limited sources available, and his historical context greatly influences the interpretation of his work.
Limited Sources
Similar to many other Pre-Socratic philosophers, there are few remaining sources on Protagoras. Our main sources come from Plato, Diogenes Laertius, and Sextus Empiricus. However, the latter two historians lived several centuries after Protagoras’ death, raising questions about the reliability of their sources. On the other hand, we heavily rely on Diogenes for accounts of the Pre-Socratics.
Sophism and Its Historical Context
In the 5th century B.C.E., the term “Sophists” referred to individuals who were renowned for their wisdom or those who professionally taught students.
The “Older” Sophists, including Protagoras, Prodicus, Gorgias, Euthydemus, Thrasymachus, and Hippias, were characterized by their epistemological and moral relativism, theological agnosticism, and persuasive rhetoric. We can learn much about these philosophers from … ...Read the rest.
“The First Sophist and Grammarian: Protagoras of Abdera”
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