Abstract
The paper discusses the debate on the human nature in the sophistic thought. Focusing on the "nature - culture" controversy it presents the evolution of the views of the Sophists: from Protagoras’ optimistic contention of the progress of mankind and his appraisal of culture to its criticism and the radical turn to nature in Antiphon, Hippias, Trasymachos, and Callicles. The paper aims at presenting the analysis of the ongoing discussion, with the stress laid on reconstruction of the arguments and concepts as well as the attitudes that are associated with various positions of this debate.
Highlights
The paper discusses the debate on the human nature in the sophistic thought
Focusing on the "nature - culture" controversy it presents the evolution of the views of the sophists: from Protagoras’ optimistic contention of the progress of mankind and his appraisal of culture to its criticism and the radical turn to nature in Antiphon, Hippias, Trasymachos, and Callicles
The paper aims at presenting the analysis of the ongoing discussion, with the stress laid on reconstruction of the arguments and concepts as well as the attitudes that are associated with various positions of this debate
Summary
The 5th century BCE is traditionally thought to be the time of humanist breakthrough in Greek thought, which took a more systematic and innovative approach to issues related to man and man’s social life.[1]. In the dialogue in which the sophist is the main character, Plato puts into his mouth the well-known myth that allegorically presents comments on the nature of man, man’s relation to nature, and the role of culture.14
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