Sophism
Anthony Zogheib
Section C .
PHL 211 Geoge Antaby
Sophism
By definition Sophism is a clever but false argument, especially one used deliberately to deceive. The word sophism is derived from greek sophizensthai which means “become wise” to sophisma also greek and it means “clever device” to Old French sophime or sophism in English. The word "sofia," from which "sophism" is derived, originally meant "wise" or "wisdom."
When we talk about sophism we can’t ignore sophist. The sophists were a group of well-respected men who were experts in a wide range of topics and travelled around Greece educating others with their wisdom. Specifically, their teachings on argument and rhetoric were instrumental in the growth of democracy within Athens in ancient Greece. Moreover, sophists were well known in ancient Greece for making the weaker argument the stronger and for speculating on sciences that went against the ‘gods’ and they were often regarded as intellectuals because of their wisdom.
Sophism teaches people the art of speech making and cross-examination. It is a clever way of arguing by using reason. The subjects that were taught by sophist were science, music, poetry, speech and cross-examinations. Scientific explanations are used to prove that oracles do not tell you what to do. Sophism tries to explain to those that don't understand that omens are not signs from gods but are natural occurrences. Sophist teachings allow people to understand that when an omen is supposedly answered, it is not the gods, but a coincidence.
The definition of the word “sophism” has shifted over time to reflect almost a completely opposite meaning that what it initially held. While it was originally a word that garnered respect, it has, changed into something relatively negative. Sophism now indicates an argument or speech that is used to trick others or can be considered as a fallacious argument". A simple example
Section C .
PHL 211 Geoge Antaby
Sophism
By definition Sophism is a clever but false argument, especially one used deliberately to deceive. The word sophism is derived from greek sophizensthai which means “become wise” to sophisma also greek and it means “clever device” to Old French sophime or sophism in English. The word "sofia," from which "sophism" is derived, originally meant "wise" or "wisdom."
When we talk about sophism we can’t ignore sophist. The sophists were a group of well-respected men who were experts in a wide range of topics and travelled around Greece educating others with their wisdom. Specifically, their teachings on argument and rhetoric were instrumental in the growth of democracy within Athens in ancient Greece. Moreover, sophists were well known in ancient Greece for making the weaker argument the stronger and for speculating on sciences that went against the ‘gods’ and they were often regarded as intellectuals because of their wisdom.
Sophism teaches people the art of speech making and cross-examination. It is a clever way of arguing by using reason. The subjects that were taught by sophist were science, music, poetry, speech and cross-examinations. Scientific explanations are used to prove that oracles do not tell you what to do. Sophism tries to explain to those that don't understand that omens are not signs from gods but are natural occurrences. Sophist teachings allow people to understand that when an omen is supposedly answered, it is not the gods, but a coincidence.
The definition of the word “sophism” has shifted over time to reflect almost a completely opposite meaning that what it initially held. While it was originally a word that garnered respect, it has, changed into something relatively negative. Sophism now indicates an argument or speech that is used to trick others or can be considered as a fallacious argument". A simple example