Section A: 1.2 The Sophists and moral relativism


'In the confident belief in the power of the human mind to unlock the secrets of the universe, the ancient Greek culture of the sixth century BCE can truly be said to be the birthplace of European civilisation.'

Eoin Cassidy, The Search for Meaning and Values


The Sophists are significant figures at this time of cultural change, but it’s difficult to discuss them without mentioning their frequent foe Socrates. The Sophists were a band of travelling philosophers, experts in statesmanship and rhetoric, who educated the children of the wealthy in ancient Greece. Their central belief, as Protagoras eloquently put it, that ‘man is the measure of all things’ was in direct conflict with Socrates ruthless pursuit of truth. 

The Sophists were content to create truths through the practice of rhetoric – the art of persuasion. They believed if their opinions proved convincing, this was as good as having discovered truth – because it gave them power. Unlike Socrates, they viewed the pursuit of power and influence as legitimate goals, and believed that a life full of pleasure was identical to the ‘good life’.

Many of Plato’s dialogues are focused on Socrates’ opposition to the teachings of the Sophists, with Gorgias standing out as one of the best examples. In this dialogue the Sophists are represented as willing to sacrifice all commitment to truth, goodness and justice on the altar of moral relativism. While the Sophists argue that ‘justice is simply the interest of the stronger’, Socrates argues that justice is not a set of rules based on the principle that might is right. 

Another of Socrates’ arguments is that we are obliged to seek the truth, rather than persuade others that our views are true. Finally he opposes their view that the pursuit of pleasure is the answer to happiness. Socrates sees happiness in terms of fulfilment and this can only be achieved if we live ethically, according to universal truths – this will create a sense of justice and fairness that would restore balance in the soul of the individual and in the soul of the state. 

In the end the Sophists ideas arguably proved more influential – look at the modern world (‘post-truth’, ‘alternative facts’ and ‘fake news’) and try not to think of Socrates raging against moral relativism on the grounds that it would lead to moral anarchy.

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