Society & Culture & Entertainment History

Protagoras

Definition:

The philosopher Protagoras (c. 480-411 B.C.) was born in Abdera in Thrace, about 480 B.C. Protagoras was the earliest known sophist who taught for pay. His teaching was so valued that Plato says he earned more than the combined earnings of Phidias and ten other sculptors. He was paid 100 minae by some students.
In Plato's dialogue, Theaetetus, Socrates refutes the teaching Protagoras included in his Truth (Alethia).


In 411 Protagoras was accused of impiety (asebeia) by Pythodorus (Aristotle calls him Euathlus). Protagoras' punishment consisted either of banishment or burning of his book On the Gods (Peritheon). The essence of his teaching is contained in the quote:
"Man is the measure of all things; of what is, that it is; of what is not, that it is not."

Reference: Diogenes Laertes Lives of the Eminent Philosophers: Protagoras

Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter

a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyz
Examples:

Famous quote of Protagoras:
"There are two sides to every question,"
according to Protagoras, in Diogenes Laertius' Lives of Eminent Philosophers.
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Society & Culture & Entertainment"
Still Mysterious: Gary Powers and the Spy Plane Incident
Still Mysterious: Gary Powers and the Spy Plane Incident
Chilean Hero: Commander Arturo Prat
Chilean Hero: Commander Arturo Prat
Megiddo (Armageddon) - the Earliest Christian Church?
Megiddo (Armageddon) - the Earliest Christian Church?
Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock
Korean War Pictures - Wounded Soldier Receiving Blood In a Helicopter
Korean War Pictures - Wounded Soldier Receiving Blood In a Helicopter
goldenfleece7
goldenfleece7
Attila the Hun
Attila the Hun
Ares - Mates and Offspring
Ares - Mates and Offspring
Pullover skirted dress
Pullover skirted dress
About The Last Supper by Da Vinci
About The Last Supper by Da Vinci
Today in American History - March 25
Today in American History - March 25
Poseidon Plaque
Poseidon Plaque
Why Did Cicero Have to Die?
Why Did Cicero Have to Die?
American Civil War: Battle of Philippi
American Civil War: Battle of Philippi
Perestroika
Perestroika
First Fitna: Battle of Siffin
First Fitna: Battle of Siffin
Julian the Apostate
Julian the Apostate
The Controversial Career of John C. Fremont, the Pathfinder
The Controversial Career of John C. Fremont, the Pathfinder
Do the Ancient Pretty Girl Rock
Do the Ancient Pretty Girl Rock
Carthage
Carthage

Leave Your Reply

*