From Socrates and Plato onwards, the Sophists were often targeted by the authoritative philosophical tradition as being mere charlatans and poor teachers. This book, translated and significantly updated from its most recent Italian version (2nd edition, 2013), challenges these criticisms by offering an overall interpretation of their thought, and by assessing the specific contributions of thinkers like Protagoras, Gorgias and Antiphon. A new vision of the Sophists emerges: they are protagonists and agents of fundamental change in the history of ancient philosophy, who questioned the grounds of morality and politics, as well as the nature of knowledge and language. By shifting the focus from the cosmos to man, the Sophists inaugurate an alternative form of philosophy, whose importance is only now becoming clear.

This translated volume presents a new vision of the Sophists, reassessing their place in the history of ancient philosophy.

Book Information
ISBN 9781108706216
Author Mauro Bonazzi
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 156mm * 8mm