SOURCE: G. B. Kerferd, "The Meaning of the Term Sophist," in The Sophistic Movement, Cambridge University Press, 1981, pp. 24-41

In this essay, Kerferd offers an explanation of why the Sophists were so often viewed with disdain by other philosophers and scholars. Additionally, he discusses the profession of sophist—specifically, what they taught, who they taught, and how they taught.

The name sophist is clearly related to the Greek words sophos and sophia, commonly translated 'wise' and 'wisdom'. According to the received account, built both into our lexica and our histories of philosophy, these terms went through a kind of evolution in their meanings, from (1) skill in a particular craft, especially handicraft, through (2) prudence or wisdom in general matters, especially practical and political wisdom, to (3) scientific, theoretic or philosophic wisdom. I have tried to argue elsewhere¹ that this sequence is artificial and unhistorical, being essentially based on Aristotle and...