Have you ever heard of the term "Sophists"? The word "Sophists" comes from the Greek word "sophia," which means "wisdom." In the history of philosophy, this term was given by the famous Greek philosopher, Plato. However, the term "Sophists" does not always have a positive connotation. In Plato's hands, this term was associated with wealth hunters who used knowledge as a pretext.



Nevertheless, history also notes that the Sophists were not only philosophers but also teachers for the Greek society. They appeared before the era of three other famous philosophers: Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato. Previously, these philosophers were more focused on cosmos or nature, but the Sophists shifted their focus to humans.


So, what is the connection between the Sophists and the current education capitalism? It turns out that the argument used by the Sophists, namely the heavier the level of education, the more expensive it is, has existed since ancient times. In the 4.0 era, many people have the same orientation as the Sophists, which is to seek wealth by utilizing their knowledge. There are social media Ustads, teachers, lecturers, and many others.


Of course, not everyone is like that. Some still value the essence of knowledge, which is to seek truth from various perspectives. But, we must also be cautious about people who only seek profit from the knowledge they possess, especially in this digital age.


So, are Sophists philosophy teachers or fortune hunters? Perhaps the answer depends on each individual. However, what is clear is that we must remain critical and wise in choosing sources of knowledge.