The problem of sophists' worth

The main purpose of this study is to examine the sophists evaluated differently from the ancient times up to the modern era and to penetrate their intellectual world with reference to the assertions based on the criticisms levelled at them. First of all, starting from the works of thinkers who expressed their opinions on sophists in ancient and modern literature, the historical origins of the word "sophist" have been analysed and the change in the meaning of the word has been traced. What circumstances paved the way for the sophists who got stuck in a negative connation gradually, what they accomplished in the era they lived and the novelties they presented to the Athenian public have been assessed. Criticisms made by Plato in particular, known as a thinker against sophists, and several others have been evaluated carefully. That the sophists don't know what virtue is, which is one of the most important criticisms levelled at them, and they took fees for the services they offered are the main arguments this study elaborates on. Thus, how they grasp the notion "virtue" has been examined and why taking fees for their services posed a problem for Plato and Socrates has been dwelled on. Because their works haven't survived to this day and age, secondary sources have been made use of. Protagoras, Gorgias, Hippias, Prodicus, Euthydemus and Dionysodorus, about whom we have the most knowledge and who are repeatedly mentioned in the dialogues, are examined.