Socrates- Euthyphro

2 Pages 520 Words

In Euthyphro, just like in the Apology, Socrates is once again found defending himself. In both texts Socrates uses cross-examination as a means to proving his innocence and discovering the “truth.” In this text, Socrates is trying to define the meanings of pious and impious.

Socrates, who is always in search of discovering some sort of “truth”, relies on the great theologian, Euthyphro. Socrates, at this point in time, is on trial for corrupting the minds of the youth and claiming that there are new gods trying to convince others that the old gods no longer exist. Socrates figured that during the trial Meletus would have to charge the both of them instead of just him alone. Euthyphro, who is considered a faultless power of his time, is in the process of prosecuting his own father. This is what sparks the interest of Socrates to persuade Euthyphro to educate him about the difference between piety and impiety. Socrates informs Euthyphro that he believes that he is a man of knowledge, but continues to question him. Euthyphro responds to the questions proposed by Socrates who in the next breath informs him that he is inaccurate. His sense and knowledge of piety has now been questioned leaving Euthyphro with a sense of uncertainty.

Socrates uses cross-examination and logic to defend himself against Meletus during the trial. Socrates cross-examines Meletus and interrogates him by asking (I think more of implying) if he teaches false theology that can and eventually will corrupt the impressionable minds of the youth. He also tags on to that question who improves them? Meletus responds that Socrates is responsible for corrupting the minds of the youth and everyone improves them. Socrates defends himself by saying that he would never want to live amongst a population full of damage and harm. If he were to corrupt the minds of the youth he would be bringing harm towards them, therefore contradicting what he stated earl...