QUESTIONING TRUTH: EXPLORING THE SKEPTICAL STANCE OF THE SOPHISTS

Abstract

The sophists, a group of ancient Greek thinkers, are often characterized by their skepticism towards truth and knowledge, which has sparked both intrigue and controversy. This paper examines the sophists' skeptical submissions, focusing on their philosophical contributions and their relevance to contemporary discourse. Originating in 5th century BCE Greece, the sophists emerged during a time of significant social and political change, offering instruction in rhetoric, argumentation, and persuasion. Key figures like Protagoras and Gorgias challenged conventional wisdom, promoting relativistic views of truth and knowledge. Despite being criticized by philosophers such as Plato, who portrayed them as deceptive and morally dubious, the sophists made lasting contributions to the fields of philosophy and education. Their skepticism questioned the possibility of objective truth and emphasized the power of rhetoric in shaping beliefs. In modern contexts, their ideas continue to resonate, particularly in discussions on ethical relativism, political discourse, and the challenges of navigating information in an era of skepticism to