Many of the older Sophists were selected as 'ambassadors' of their cities, certainly no office of disrespect. The name Sophist was even applied without disparagement to Socrates and Plato themselves.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Early Sophists were respected ambassadors, and even Socrates and Plato were once called Sophists without insult.
- In plain terms
- Sophists once held honor, not disgrace.
- What can you take from it?
- Remember that terms can shift in meaning over time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do some titles become pejorative?
- How does context change perception?
Another view
Modern negative connotations of 'sophist' may color our view of the past.
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