Lesson 2 Communication (Sophists)

The Beginning of the Study of Human Communication (Part 1)

• Introduction to the exploration of human communication's significance and historical roots.

Human Communication in Philosophical Traditions

Heraclitian Tradition

• Emphasizes the ever-changing nature of life.

• Acknowledges that all situations are unique.

• Views truth as relative and shaped by communication.

• Communication serves to create or reveal what is considered true.

• Highlights communication as crucial for navigating and arguing towards situational truths.

Parmenidian Tradition

• Highlights permanence inherent in life.

• Recognizes some constant elements of existence.

• Portrays truth as absolute and unchanging.

• Sources of truth through Reason (philosophy) and Revelation (religion).

• Positions communication as secondary in its role for asserting truths.

Importance of Public Speaking to Athenian Greeks

1. Political System

   • Democracy characterized by direct self-representation.

   • Isegoria: The right to speak freely in political discourse.

   • Parrhesia: The obligation to engage in speech and express opinions.

2. Legal System

   • Importance of self-advocacy in legal matters.

3. Cultural Traditions

   • Involvement in social ceremonies demonstrates cultural values.

   • Pursuit of Arête: excellence in public speaking and argumentation.

   • Athens perceived as a "contest" society valuing rhetorical skills.

The Sophists

• Origin of term: from Greek sophia meaning "wisdom".

• The concept of sophos refers to a "wise" or "clever" individual.

• Linked to the term sophomore in English, indicating a student in development.

• Defined by their expertise in the arts of the logos:

  • Logos: Denotes word, idea, or reasoning as a critical principle.

  • Biblical reference from Gospel of John brings further context.

• Sophists as itinerant teachers who traveled to impart knowledge.

• Often believed in the Heraclitian perspective: questioning of absolute truth.

Important Sophists

• Protagoras of Abdera.

• Gorgias of Leontini.

• Hippias.

• Isocrates.

• Lysias.

Protagoras of Abdera

• Lived from 481-411 B.C.

• Regarded as the first prominent Sophist and initiator of the Sophistic Movement in Athens.

• Recognized as the "Father of Debate."

Protagoras’ Controversial Teachings

1. Man is the Measure of All Things

   • Challenges the concept of Absolute Truth:

     • Humanism asserts that truth is subject to human perception.

     • The importance of persuasion in establishing truth.

     • Emphasizes subjective truth over objective truth.

2. For Every Perspective, There is an Opposite One

   • Notion of dissoi logoi: the clash of opposing ideas.

   • Encourages engagement in debates to reveal diverse perspectives.

3. Make the Weaker Case Appear the Stronger

   • No singular opinion holds the ultimate truth; rather, some opinions may be more compelling.

   • Formally lays the foundation for an adversarial legal system where arguments must be substantiated.

John Stuart Mill's Perspective on Thesis and Antithesis

• Quote: "He who knows only his own side of the argument knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them. But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side... he has no ground for preferring either opinion."

  • Advocates for the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints to develop a well-rounded argument.