Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

Patterson states that he does not mean for his book to be a study of the intellectual study of freedom, but the historical development of freedom as a social value. However, one has to be aware of and concerned with the thoughts and opinions of the intellectuals because they affect the people of all levels of society. The response of the intellectuals is twofold. The external response is the reflections or opinions of the intellectuals on what they see happen in their society. They distinguish between outer and inner or internal freedom. The intellectuals frown on the outer or external view of freedom and place the emphasis on the inner or spiritual or religious level.

The Sophists are one of the groups of intellectuals that influence Greek thought and values. The Sophists and other intellectuals are the educators, earning their livings...