No One Is Above The Law

Euthypro is a text of dialogue between Socrates, an outspoken philosopher in ancient Athens, and Euthypro, preceding Socrates trial of corrupting the youth and creating his own gods. Apology is another text having the same author of Euthypro, in Plato, which gives an account of Socrates making his defense at his own trial. Based on the evidence presented in these texts, Socrates is not guilty of corrupting the youth or of creating his own gods.

In his dialogue with Socrates, Euthypro begins with agreeing with Socrates explanation of his accusations. Euthypro early in the conversation even compares himself as being likewise in thought with Socrates. Euthypro tells Socrates that the people are jealous of them and they must be brave in approaching them. Then instantly as a true hypocrite, Euthypro takes a step back when he tells Socrates that he is never likely to anger the people in Athens as he does. Since they obviously think alike, the difference is that Socrates is willing to openly speak the truth of his mind regardless of the consequences, while Euthypro out of fear for his way of life barely publicly shares his thoughts. Since Euthypro isn’t willing to go out in public, he could never be accused like Socrates of corrupting anyone since no one hears him. It is therefore true as Socrates states that a man could be thought of as wise until he shares his wisdom. The sharing of one’s thoughts, which challenges the norm of the society, would have to be a form of corruption.

Only Socrates can be accused of such corruption, since he publicly shares his thoughts. Euthypro also shares his thoughts, but only with Socrates. He could be considered being guilty of corruption in the dialogue, but his sharing is private. Euthypro tells Socra...

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... different culture altogether, and that would be complete corruption.

Neither Socrates nor Jesus denied their intentions, however unlike Jesus; Socrates was an older man with a family. One would think even for his sons’ sake, he would bargain for a lesser punishment than death. Socrates remains adamant that he is a gift to Athens from the gods, and asks those at the trial to punish his own sons if they grow to seek riches before virtue. There is no account that Socrates was a terrible father or husband, or any different from a man who wanted the best for his family and fellow man. In the end it comes down to two factors similar to what also occurred in Jesus’ trial. If a man advocates an alternative to the laws of the land and his teachings publicly threaten the positions of those who hold power in enforcing those laws, he is prompting a potential end to his life.