Education & The Sophists
Schools & Tutors
There was no from of state-provision of schools or tutors and only the rich could afford tutors. However, open-air exercise facilities (gymnasia) for daily work-outs were provided. Political conversations and the spread of news were also commonplace here. The predominance of oral, rather than written communication, meant that people were used to absorbing information by ear.
Mentorship
An older male would chose an adolescent boy as his favourite to educate; activities included meeting friends, talking politics, assistance to fulfil public office duties and attending the gymnasium and the symposium together. The sexual bond between mentor and protege was accepted as long as the mentor did not exploit the protege physically whilst neglecting their education.
Herodotus & Hippocrates
Herodotus (c. 485 BC - 425 BC) devised a new style of writing - 'Histories'. He tried to describe and explain the clash between East and West, represented by the wars between the Persians and the Greeks. He studies ethnography to suggest causes.
Hippocrates (c. 460 BC - 370 BC) suggested that doctors should base their knowledge on careful observation of their patients and their response to remedies. The Hippocratic Oath is still important in medicine today.
Hippocrates (c. 460 BC - 370 BC) suggested that doctors should base their knowledge on careful observation of their patients and their response to remedies. The Hippocratic Oath is still important in medicine today.
The Sophists
The Sophists were 'wise men' - skilled at public-speaking and philosophical debates. They were typically not from Athens but from other parts of the Greek world, such as Hippias from Elis and Gorgias of Leontini. From around 450 BC, they offered instruction in these areas for hefty prices. However, they had many students as they all wanted to be good at public-speaking in the democratic and oral-centred polis. The Sophists would also compose speeches for use at the Assembly or in the law courts for a price. Protagoras of Abdera impressed so much that in 444 BC he was chosen to devise laws for the new colony at Thurii. However, his views on 'opinions' were later considered controversial by many Athenians due to his great ability to persuade. Leading figures, such as Perikles, flocked to hear the Sophists and learn from them. However, they were feared by traditionally-minded men (whose political opinions they threatened) and the deep anxiety of Sophists gave political opponents a weapon to use.