The term "Sophists" refers to a group of itinerant teachers and philosophers in ancient Greece, particularly during the 5th century BCE. They were known for their skills in rhetoric and debate, offering education in various subjects, including ethics and politics, to wealthy young men. Sophists often emphasized the importance of persuasive speech and the relativity of truth, arguing that knowledge could be subjective. Prominent Sophists included figures like Protagoras and Gorgias, who challenged traditional beliefs and encouraged critical thinking. Their teachings laid the groundwork for later philosophical inquiry, influencing thinkers such as Socrates and Plato, who critiqued their ideas and methods.