Sophist

Brief Overview

The dialogue «Sophist» by Plato is dedicated to exploring the nature of sophistry and the distinction between true and apparent knowledge. The dialogue features Socrates, Theaetetus, and a stranger from Elea, who leads the main part of the conversation. The stranger proposes various definitions of a sophist, analyzing his activities and methods. During the discussion, questions about being and non-being, truth and falsehood, and how to distinguish a true philosopher from a sophist are raised. The dialogue concludes with an acknowledgment of the complexity and importance of distinguishing true knowledge from apparent knowledge.