Sophist
by Plato
Sophist is a late dialogue by Plato, probably written around 360 BC, in which a visitor from Elea leads Theaetetus through a search for what a sophist is and how he differs from a philosopher. Its Greek text was first printed in the Aldine edition of Plato's works, Venice, 1513.
- Editions tracked
- 1
- First published
- Aldus Manutius, Venice, 1513
- Series
- Platonic dialogue
Which edition do you have?
Editions
- Williams and Norgate1868 Hardback · Platonic dialogue I own The Sophistes of Plato, Williams and Norgate 1868 Log in to want this
We have not yet researched the issue points for this book. If you know how to tell the first from later printings, tell us and we will credit you once it is checked against a second source.
Awards, adaptations and setting
Setting and characters
- Characters
- Socrates
- Genre
- Socratic dialogue
Read next
- Comes after
- Theaetetus
- Followed by
- Statesman
In print
- Editions recorded
- 77 on Open Library, 54 in English
- Wikipedia
- Articles in 22 languages
- Free to read
- Project Gutenberg (out of copyright in the US)
From Wikidata and Open Library, both CC0. A prize or a new adaptation often lifts demand for the first printing.
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How to Identify a First Edition
To identify a first edition, check that your copy is the first printing of the first edition. Read the copyright …
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Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
How many editions of Sophist are there?
We track 1 edition of Sophist. Each has its own page with how to identify it.
When was Sophist first published?
Sophist by Plato was first published in 1513.
What should I read after Sophist?
In order, it follows Theaetetus and it is followed by Statesman, according to Wikidata.
Can I read Sophist for free?
Yes: the text is out of copyright in the United States and free to read on Project Gutenberg. Collectors still pay for the first edition, which is the physical object, not the words.
Where these facts come from
- Sophist (dialogue), Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
- List of editiones principes in Greek, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
- Aldine Plato, Edward Worth Library (aldine.edwardworthlibrary.ie)
Every fact on this page was checked against the sources listed. Checked 22 October 2026. Reviewed by Harriet Ellis; read how we check facts.