Euthyphro

9 Pages 2153 Words

The title of the work that will be examined in this paper is the “Euthyphro” by Plato. Aristocles, also known as Plato, wrote this dialogue in the year 380 B.C.E., shortly after the death of his teacher and mentor Socrates (ca. 399 B.C.E.) (Pojman 16). The Euthyphro is a dialogue between Socrates and a religious expert named Euthyphro. During his lifetime Socrates never wrote down any of his teachings or thoughts so the Euthyphro and many other dialogues like it serve as the only source of information on the life and teachings of the Western World’s greatest thinker. The dialogue begins when Socrates meets Euthyphro by the Porch of the King Archon. Socrates and Euthyphro exchange greetings and each asks what the other’s business is at the court. Socrates explains to Euthyphro that he is being charged by Meletus, a hooked-nose unknown, with inventing false gods, not recognizing the gods of the state, and corrupting the youth of Athens. After a brief inquiry to the specifics of the charges Euthyphro assures Socrates that his affair will end in nothing and that both of them shall win their cause. Upon hearing this Socrates asks Euthyphro what his suit is. Euthyphro responds that he is the prosecuter in the case of his servant’s murder by his father’s hand. Socrates becomes astounded when he hears of this and proceeds to tell Euthyphro that in order for a son to prosecute his own father he must have achieved a high state of wisdom because the common man knows little about these matters. Euthyphro, ironically, replies that yes a person must be extraordinary do undertake this task. Euthyphro then goes on to explain that whether or not the wrongdoer is a relative or a stranger they must be brought to justice by trial. It is at this point that the dialogue, which will attempt to answer the question “what is piety?”, ensues. This paper will analyze the four arguments and reversals posed by the dialogue. It will also give cr...