What philosophical belief did the Sophists hold regarding truth?

The Sophists, who were active in ancient Greece, famously held the belief that truth is subjective and can vary from person to person. They emphasized the idea that knowledge and understanding are rooted in individual perspectives and experiences, rather than being universal or fixed. This relativistic viewpoint suggested that what may be true for one person might not be true for another, highlighting the importance of context and personal interpretation in shaping beliefs and values.

Sophists used their understanding of subjective truth to teach rhetoric and debate, enabling their students to argue from multiple points of view and fostering a sense of critical thinking about established norms and accepted truths. This approach was a significant departure from the views of philosophers like Socrates and Plato, who sought to uncover absolute truths and objective reality.