Section 1, line 309-316 Summary and Analysis

Socrates is brought to see Protagoras, who is known as an old and successful Sophist. Hippocrates says that he wants to study with Protagoras, not to become a Sophist, but as part of his liberal arts study program. A friend is talking to Socrates. Socrates tells the friend that he has just met someone more interesting than the handsome Alcibiades, Socrates has met Protagoras. Socrates describes what happened when Hippocrates came by his house, and this is the story. Protagoras is visiting Athens, Hippocrates tells Socrates, when he stops at Socrates' house late at night, just before the dawn. Hippocrates wants Socrates to help him meet and talk to Protagoras.

Socrates asks Hippocrates, if you present yourself to Protagoras what will he teach you? The answer is Protagoras would teach Hippocrates to be a Sophist. Being a...