Defining Piety in Euthyphro by Plato Essay - 586 Words

Main question of the Dialogue The main question of this dialogue is the definition of the word holy or piety. Euthyphro brags that he is more knowledgeable than his father on matters relating to religion. In this case, Socrates suggests to Euthyphro to define that term. The first definition fails to satisfy Socrates because of its limitation in application. Apparently, Socrates perceives this definition as an example rather than a definition. Subsequent arguments and line of questioning lead to five sets of definitions that are refined to find the general definition. Socrates expects that the acceptable general definition of the question will act as a reference point in his defense. Problems with Euthyphro’s initial definition According†¦show more content†¦In this case, the argument would imply that the justification is both holy and unholy, which is rationally impractical. What Socrates uses to Combat Euthyphro’s Conceptions of holiness At the core of Socrates’ argument is the need to break down the definition of holiness into smaller coherent characteristics. Socrates uses a series of question that are consistent with Euthyphro’s argument to ensure that he [Euthyphro] offers a consistent flow of definitions of the word holy. Euthyphro accepts these ideas because he offers different definitions that are in line with the clarified ideations. Socrates uses basic philosophical question â€Å"What is holy?† , which leads to a myriad of definitions with different characteristics. Euthyphro sums up all these characteristics in the final definition. Euthyphro’s problem is that he is trying to show his prowess among social and philosophical elite by proving his father to be impious. His ego coupled with his father’s flattery obscures Euthyphro from developing concrete definitions. Deeper (Philosophical) Point of ‘Justice’ Socrates point on justice is that everything that is termed just ought to be entirely holy. On the other hand, not everything that is deemed holy is just. However, the term just is used interchangeably with the term morally good. I think Socrates point is to find enough proof to support any premise beyond reasonable doubt. Significance of the abruptShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Plato s The Euthyphro 1723 Words   |  7 Pagesof the greatest reflective thinkers of all time, Plato was the innovator of many written philosophical dialogues. Accompanied by his teacher, Socrates and his most notorious disciple, Aristotle, Plato set the groundworks of Western philosophy and science amid dialogues such as Apology, Euthyphro, Republic and Laws. These dialogues provided some of the earliest handlings of political inquiries from a philosophical viewpoint. In the Euthyphro, Plato composes a dialogue that transpires in 399 BC, weeksRead MoreEuthyphro, A Dialogue Written By Plato1099 Words   |  5 Pages In â€Å"Euthyphro†, a dialogue written by Plato, Euthyphro is faced with a series of questions from Socrates regarding what piety is. Euthyphro’s answers continuously contradict one another, and he cannot create a definition. Euthyphro makes reference to the Gods when stating a definition, which lea ds to the questions, is Euthyphro a theological voluntarist? After examining the claims of Euthyphro and the definition of theological voluntarism, it will become apparent that Euthyphro is not a theologicalRead MorePiety in Ancient Greece780 Words   |  4 Pages. Piety is a word that brings up religious images like pious acts of devotion to a religious faith. Piety comes from the Latin pietas meaning dutiful conduct. In ancient Greece piety was more commonly known as Eusebia. Eusebia did not mean either of the above things, but meant more. Eusebia was how one spoke to their slaves or how a seller would be spoken to as well as how one would conduct themselves with the gods in mind. Piety was taken up from Greco-Roman virtue ethics by the ChristianRead MoreThe Euthyphro and The Republic Essay1257 Words   |  6 PagesThe Euthyphro and The Republic I. In the Euthyphro, Euthyphro himself gives three proposals of piety. First, the pious is to prosecute the wrongdoer and the impious is not to prosecute the wrongdoer. Socrates disputes this example as lacking generality. He believed that in order to define piety, one had to find the form that made all pious acts pious. An example of a pious act does not in turn define piety. Euthyphro’s second attempt stated that the pious is loved by the gods, while theRead MoreEuthyphro Dialogue Essay examples1485 Words   |  6 PagesIn the dialogue Euthyphro (Cahn and Markie), Plato presents an argument against the divine command meta-ethical theory. While the argument is presented against the predominantly pantheistic Greek religions, the argument can be easily applied to the monotheistic Abrahamic religions. The dialogue starts off with the two main characters: Euthyphro and Socrates. Socrates has been indicted for corrupting the youth of Athens and Euthyphro is indicting his father for murdering a day-labourer who killedRead MoreSocrates : The Power Of Knowledge932 Words   |  4 Pagesthe world and self proclaims his own ignorance rather than living under the guise of being an expert. Student of Socrates, philosopher Plato grew in popularity around 400 B.C and strived to uncover the meanings behind ideas such as goodness, reality and beauty. While Socrates became infamous around Athens, and was later put to death for his core philosophies, Plato was generally accepted by the public and was praised for his insight into the nature of man. Although they had many disagreements aboutRead MoreSocratic Ethics Essay2636 Words   |  11 Pagesrelating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of suc h actions. Socrates discusses this many times in his teachings, specifically in the readings, Euthyphro, the Apology, the Crito and the Phaedo. Socrates’ main question was â€Å"What is the good life?† and his pursuit was to find out how to live this â€Å"good life†. Socrates’ pursuit of the â€Å"good life† helped him to identify knowledge with virtue. HeRead MoreAnalysis of Socrates Definition of Justice in The Republic2604 Words   |  10 Pagestranscendentals that Socrates seeks are like the light at the top of the mountain up which the philosopher climbs after leaving the cave, it must be realized that the journey toward justice is one of labor but not one that is implausible. Context Plato founded the Academy at Athens after Socrates death and preserved the lessons that Socrates had taught, essentially laying a foundation for the study of philosophy in Western Civilization. Platos Republic seeks to unite the lessons of the Academy