# Sophist explained — Dialogues

> Chapter companion for Dialogues by Plato.

## What happens

The Eleatic Stranger and Theaetetus engage in a dialectical inquiry to define the sophist, distinguishing him from the philosopher and statesman through a series of divisions and examinations of being and non-being.

## Themes in this chapter

### Knowledge and Ignorance

The dialogue explores the sophist's pretense to wisdom versus the philosopher's genuine pursuit of truth.

### Law, Custom, and Legislation

The sophist's role in shaping opinion and convention is contrasted with the philosopher's concern for objective reality.

## Character check-ins

### Athenian Stranger

Leads the dialogue as the Eleatic Stranger, guiding the inquiry into the nature of the sophist.

### Theaetetus

Responds to the Stranger's questions, assisting in the dialectical process of defining the sophist.

### Theodorus

Present as a companion, though not actively participating in the main discussion.

## Key lines

> The Sophist

The dialogue titled 'Sophist' is a philosophical investigation into the nature and definition of a sophist.

_Opening of the chapter setting the stage for the inquiry._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se/chapters/sophist
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se/chapters