Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/252

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE SOPHISTS.
197

the title 'The Choice of Hercules.' It is related in Xenophon's 'Memorabilia,' B. ii.



18. To understand the position, and the conduct, and the character, and the philosophy of Socrates, it is necessary that we get all the light we possibly can, in regard to the tenets of the Sophists. I therefore go on with the consideration of their opinions.

19. In order to reach still more definite results, let us consider what their psychology, that is to say, what their doctrine, was in regard to the nature of man, considered as an isolated individual, or viewed in his unsocial capacity. You will observe that man presents himself to our notice under two points of view; as a member of society, and as a man simply, and irrespective of all social relations; in other and shorter words, as a citizen and as an individual. Now, the question is, What are the attributes and constituents of man considered as an individual? What are they as distinguished from his attributes and constituents, considered as a member of society? Let us try to separate between that which man receives directly from nature, and that which he imbibes sensibly or insensibly from his companionship with his fellows. This, indeed, is the great problem which, although perhaps never very clearly enunciated, is, and has ever been, the business of moral philosophy to resolve. Probably the Sophists had as clear an apprehension of it as