Protagoras (c. 490–420 BCE)

Question 1

Where was Protagoras born?

Answer 1

Protagoras was born in Abdera, Thrace (modern-day Greece).

Question 2

What philosophical group was Protagoras a part of?

Answer 2

Protagoras was part of the Sophists.

Question 3

What famous phrase is Protagoras known for?

Answer 3

Protagoras is known for the phrase ‘Man is the measure of all things.’

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Protagoras argued that truth and morality are _____.

Answer 4

Protagoras argued that truth and morality are subjective.

Question 5

Who was Protagoras friends with in Athens?

Answer 5

Protagoras was friends with the statesman Pericles.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Protagoras was famous for teaching _____.

Answer 6

Protagoras was famous for teaching rhetoric and debate.

Question 7

During which historical period did Protagoras live?

Answer 7

Protagoras lived during the Golden Age of Athens (5th century BCE).

Question 8

How did the environment in Athens influence Protagoras’ work?

Answer 8

The democratic, intellectually vibrant environment in Athens influenced Protagoras’ focus on rhetoric and debate.

Question 9

What were Protagoras’ views on the existence of gods?

Answer 9

Protagoras was agnostic, saying he had no means of knowing whether gods existed or not.

Question 10

What was Protagoras’ most controversial statement about gods?

Answer 10

Protagoras said, ‘Concerning the gods, I have no means of knowing whether they exist or not.’

Question 11

What charges did Protagoras face in Athens?

Answer 11

Protagoras faced charges of impiety.

Question 12

How did Protagoras influence rhetoric?

Answer 12

Protagoras influenced rhetoric by teaching the art of persuasive argument, especially in legal and political contexts.

Question 13

What is Protagoras’ legacy in modern philosophy?

Answer 13

Protagoras’ legacy lies in his ideas about relativism and the subjective nature of truth.

Question 14

Which philosophers criticized Protagoras’ ideas?

Answer 14

Plato was one of the main critics of Protagoras’ ideas.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Protagoras influenced the field of ____ in democratic Athens.

Answer 15

Protagoras influenced the field of rhetoric in democratic Athens.

Question 16

How is Protagoras’ idea of truth described?

Answer 16

Protagoras’ idea of truth is described as relativistic, meaning it varies depending on individual perception.

Question 17

What skill was Protagoras famous for, which helped citizens in Athens?

Answer 17

Protagoras was famous for teaching citizens how to argue effectively in public forums.

Question 18

What did Protagoras contribute to the field of grammar?

Answer 18

Protagoras is credited with writing one of the first books on grammar and language.

Question 19

What lasting impact did Protagoras have on democracy?

Answer 19

Protagoras’ emphasis on rhetoric and debate had a lasting impact on democratic practices in Athens.

Question 20

What was Protagoras’ approach to morality?

Answer 20

Protagoras believed that morality is relative and depends on individual or cultural perspective.

Question 21

Why were Protagoras’ views on morality controversial?

Answer 21

Protagoras’ views on morality were controversial because they suggested there was no absolute right or wrong.

Question 22

What did Protagoras believe about arguments?

Answer 22

Protagoras believed that any argument could be made persuasive, a skill he was famous for teaching.

Question 23

What lasting impact did Protagoras have on philosophy?

Answer 23

Protagoras’ relativism influenced discussions in ethics and epistemology, particularly debates on the nature of truth.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Protagoras is considered one of the first _____.

Answer 24

Protagoras is considered one of the first agnostics.

Question 25

What was the purpose of Protagoras’ teaching methods?

Answer 25

The purpose of Protagoras’ teaching methods was to equip individuals with the skills to debate and persuade in a democratic society.

Question 26

Protagoras famously said that he could make the _____ argument appear _____ in a debate.

Answer 26

Protagoras famously said that he could make the weaker argument appear stronger in a debate.