A proposta pedagógica de Protágoras de Abdera

Abstract

This paper deals with a political and pedagogical question taking place in 5th. Century b.C. Athens, when several political phenomena led to the so called sophistic movement. We analyze Protagoras of Abdera´s conception of education mainly through Sextus Empiricus, Aristotle and Plato´s testimonies. His position is relativistic and this is shown through his three main theses: antilogy, man measure and the art of turning a weak speech into a strong one. We also deal with Plato´s critique of Protagoras political practice by showing that he makes it by following his own theoretical interests. We conclude by recognizing the philosophical relevance of Plato´s critique, though aware that the sophist did not necessarily sustain the purposes that are said to be his.