Similarities Between Euthyphro And Socrates

In “The Apology” and “Euthyphro”, Plato creates a picture of the principles Socrates has on philosophy and wisdom. Since there are know direct pieces of literature written by Socrates, all of the information about him are composed by other Philosophers who encountered him. So when I refer to Socrates, it means the character depicted by Plato. I will argue that some important characteristics of philosophy and being a philosopher is evident by comparing Socrates with Euthyphro because of how he sees knowledge is obtained combined with the impact with which religion has on society.

Before getting into the principles of Socrates, it is important to have some context on these two stories to understand how each of these exemplify philosophical understanding. “Euthyphro” is a dialogue between Socrates and

Euthyphro a couple weeks before the trial. Socrates is on trial against Euthyphro on charges of impiety. Socrates then finds out that Euthyphro is simultaneously prosecuting his dad on manslaughter. This leads to a debate about multiple ideals one another has. “The Apology” is an account of a speech made by socrates during his trial which consists of charges of not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of athens.

One of the distinguishing ways socrates is represented is through the style in which he questions others. Socratic questioning is a famous tool used in teaching that makes a student understand the reasoning behind the given answers. When Euthyphro informs Socrates that he has taken his father to trial he reacts with, “Is then the man your father killed one of your relatives? Or is that obvious, for you would not prosecute your father for the murder of a stranger”(p. 4, 4b). This question leads to another point of confusion in the manner socrates talks. Soon Euthyphro true intentions are revealed. A key example of socratic reasoning in Euthyphro "Is the pious being loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is being loved by the gods?"(p. 12, 10a) Justified by this quote, it seems evident that the only reason why actions are pious because the gods deem them pious. Socrates asks this question because he doesn’t understand why gods are the all commanding power when in fact the gods themselves are constantly disagreeing with each other. The result of this style of speaking can be more confusion than actual realization. Socratic questioning sometimes confuses students even though they might have the answer to a question.

This leads to the contrasting opinions Euthyphro and Socrates have on the definition of piety.

During the dialogue, Euthyphro defines, “Piety means prosecuting the unjust individual who has committed murder or sacrilege, or any other such crime, as I am doing now, whether he is your father or mother or whoever he is.” Given this Euthyphro overarching principles can be summarized as divine law requires to prosecute the offender no matter who she or he is. Also, the ideology should be what befits humans as well. Socrates is fine with how Euthyphro accounts the factual evidence of his father’s misguided acts. What Socrates takes problem is how Euthyphro uses greek mythology to highlight that taking action against your parents is the correct direction of action. Due to the fact that mythology isn’t confirmed to be true in any sense, socrates feels as though this is extremely inappropriate. Euthyphro actions should be based on divine law with results in him being impious. Socrates ultimate principles can be summarized as respect for parents should be the ultimate law combined with whatever does not befit the gods shouldn’t befit everyone else. Insert another

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disagreement over wisdom