Definition: Protagoras (c. 480-411 B.C.) was born in Abdera in Thrace, about 480 B.C. Protagoras was the earliest known sophist who taught for pay. His teaching was so valued that Plato says he earned more than the combined earnings of Phidias and ten other sculptors. He was paid 100 minae by some students.
In the Theaetetus, Plato refutes the teaching Protagoras included in his Truth (Alethia). In 411 Protagoras was accused of impiety (asebeia) by Pythodorus. His punishment consisted either of banishment or burning of his book On the Gods (Peritheon). The essence of his teaching is contained in the quote: "Man is the measure of all things; of what is, that it is; of what is not, that it is not."
In the Theaetetus, Plato refutes the teaching Protagoras included in his Truth (Alethia). In 411 Protagoras was accused of impiety (asebeia) by Pythodorus. His punishment consisted either of banishment or burning of his book On the Gods (Peritheon). The essence of his teaching is contained in the quote: "Man is the measure of all things; of what is, that it is; of what is not, that it is not."
