DOUG'S WORD OF THE WEEK

sophist / SAH-fist / noun: 1. In ancient Greece one specially engaged in the pursuit or communication of knowledge; esp. one who undertook to give instruction in intellectual and ethical matters in return for payment 2. One who is distinguished for learning; a wise or learned man 3. One who makes use of fallacious arguments; reasoning adroitly and speciously rather than soundly.

Notes & Etymology: From the Greek sophistes, from sophizesthai "to become wise or learned," (from sophos "wise, clever,"). In Greece sophistes came to mean "one who gives intellectual instruction for pay," and, contrasted with "philosopher," it became a term of contempt. Ancient sophists were famous for their clever, specious arguments.

Usage: “The philosophy professor had such a reputation as the campus sophist that his students took to calling him ‘Socrates.’ "
Ann Zawistoski ;Laurence McKinley Gould Library News; January 23, 2006