What do sophists primarily focus on in their philosophical inquiries?

Sophists are primarily known for their emphasis on skepticism regarding absolute truths and objective reality. Their philosophical inquiries typically revolve around the idea that knowledge is relative, varying from one person to another, and they often challenge the notion of universal truths. Rather than establishing fixed truths or insisting on a single correct interpretation of reality, sophists promote the idea that different perspectives can coexist, leading to different conclusions based on varying arguments and contexts. This line of thinking involves critically examining what people commonly accept as true and revealing the uncertainty that underlies human understanding.

While defining essence and promoting rational arguments can be associated with other philosophical traditions, such as those of Plato or Aristotle, the sophists distinctly focus on questioning established norms and the absoluteness of beliefs. This approach allows for a range of interpretations and emphasizes the role of rhetoric and persuasion in shaping one's understanding of truth. Thus, their primary focus on debunking absolute certainty aligns with their historical role in the development of philosophical thought.