The terms "sophist" and "sophistry" have taken on derogatory connotations in modern times.
古希臘雅典的第一個哲學家，也是西方的第一位大哲蘇格拉底已經給哲學家定位了：“未經反省的人生不值得活。”反省不是佔有知識，只是佔有一些知識而沒有反省精神的“哲學家”不能算是哲學家。所以，“愛智者”（philosopher）纔是哲學家，“智者”（sophist）反而不能算是哲學家。愛智慧就會發問，就會反覆琢磨和反省。哲學不會定格不動，哲學家總是在路上。
Socrates is talking to Hippias of Elis, a travelling "sophist" who sets up as a professional "wise man", taking money for lessons in private and public rhetoric, and managing public business himself.
