Similarities Between Socrates And Sophists

Socrates and the Sophists are two major philosophers who have many different beliefs and teachings, but are similar in some of their interests. The Sophists are known to believe and teach that there is no absolute truth, that man is the ultimate measure of things. Socrates is said to have sought after absolute truth and he believed there can be only one true justice in the world. Though they had some similarities, Socrates and the Sophists were ultimately different in their beliefs and viewpoints.

Socrates is said to have laid the foundation of Western philosophy and is also claimed to be the Father of Philosophy. He enjoyed engaging in conversations that Plato called “dialectic” (Melchert 65), which is a proposal that then forms a question.

Both were interested in communication, arguments, and the technique of persuasion. They both widely influenced the people around them and helped raise important questions that remain unanswered to this day. Although the two had different views on truth and justice, they often would debate and have complex conversations with one another. They argued about their differences, one individual helping develop and establish the other’s beliefs through these conversations. Therefore, they have each other to thank for providing a greater and deeper understanding of their beliefs.

There are numerous differences between Socrates and Sophistry, the main one being that the Sophists were well known teachers that were paid for their knowledge and Socrates simply was not. Socrates shared what he knew with others and learned what he did not through the dialectic conversations he would have. Another difference is the Sophists would argue with the mind set of winning in the end, while Socrates was looking to “advance toward truth” (Melchert 65). Though they had some similarities, Socrates and the Sophists were ultimately different in their beliefs and