Final answer:
Socrates did not charge for his teachings and used the Socratic method, focused on self-discovery and questioning, contrasting the Sophists' approach of memorization and emotional rhetoric aimed at worldly success. His educational philosophy centered on ethics and fostering deep understanding of truth and virtue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socrates differentiated himself from the Sophists by not charging for lessons and not claiming to have all the answers. Instead of using memorized passages or appealing to emotions as the Sophists did, Socrates used the Socratic method to help individuals find truth through their own reasoning. By engaging in this dialectical process of inquiry, Socrates aimed to reveal that often people who think they are wise may not truly understand the depths of their own ignorance.
The crux of Socrates' distinction from the Sophists rested on his belief in absolute truths concerning morality and ethical conduct. He rigorously challenged others to question their beliefs and biases, leading to a deeper exploration and understanding of justice, truth, and virtuous politics. Socrates approach to education and philosophy was about self-discovery and self-improvement, in contrast to the sophistic focus on rhetorical skill and worldly success.
Ultimately, Socrates sought to educate people by assisting them in the birth of their own understanding rather than depositing knowledge in them as the Sophists aimed to do. He believed that the purpose of philosophy was to improve life by making the philosopher a better person, and his method of teaching through questioning rather than lecturing remains a foundational element in the field of education.