Imperial Dictionary of Universal Biography/Volume 3/Prodicus

by James Frederick Ferrier

PRODICUS, one of the Greek sophists, was born in the island of Cos. He was a friend and contemporary of Socrates, and flourished about 435 b.c. He is spoken of with respect by Plato; and Xenophon, in his Memorabilia of Socrates, has handed down to us as the work of Prodicus the celebrated moral apologue, entitled "The Choice of Hercules." Hercules being called upon by two females, the one of whom was clothed with modesty and propriety, and the other adorned with meretricious allurements, to choose between a life of labour and a life of pleasure, makes election in favour of the former, and thus wins for himself immortal glory, although by the sacrifice of all those enjoyments which, in the estimation of meaner men, are alone worth living for. A short summary of the teaching of the sophists in its principal features will be found under the article Protagoras. Prodicus was identified with this party in so far as he taught for payment, and proposed to teach those useful accomplishments by which men might raise themselves in the world. He seems to have differed from the other sophists in the greater purity and elevation of his moral doctrines. In particular, he is said to have stood opposed to the opinions of Aristippus who, in anticipation of Epicurus, had broached the doctrine that pleasure is the chief end of man. Athens was the head-quarters of Prodicus and the other sophists, although, like them, he itinerated from place to place in quest of pupils.—J. F. F.