The Sophistic Movement

The Sophistic Movement was a group of itinerant teachers and philosophers in ancient Greece during the 5th century BCE. They specialized in teaching rhetoric, persuasion, and critical thinking, often for a fee. Sophists emphasized skillful argumentation and the power of words, sometimes focusing on relativism—that truth could vary depending on circumstances. Their teachings influenced debate, law, and education, but they were also criticized by philosophers like Socrates for allegedly prioritizing persuasion over truth. Overall, sophists played a key role in shaping Greek intellectual culture and the development of rhetorical skills.