The Ignorance of Youth

For over two thousand years, Socratic dialogues have had a deep effect on the progression of society. A key example of an effective Socratic dialogue is that of Plato's Euthyphro. Socrates demonstrates, among other things, the extent to which in our youth we are the most ignorant. In addition, he utilizes his conversation with Euthyphro to accomplish certain things that directly benefit only him. He uses this conversation to show that he is truly not as wise as everyone believes him to be. He vents his bitterness and practices speaking in preparation for the upcoming trial with Meletus. In part he successfully achieves all of the things he set out to accomplish.

In order for Socrates to effectively show the ignorance that is inherently apparent within the youth of society, he must first demonstrate that with age comes knowledge. Using Euthyphro as an example, Socrates first gets Euthyphro to engage in a dialogue on a subject that Euthyphro believes himself to be knowledgeable. He accomplishes this through a combination of flattery and sarcasm numerous times during the dialogue. At one point he goes so far as to say, 'Rare, friend! I think that I cannot do better than be your disciple.'; (p. 12) In doing this, Socrates builds up Euthyphro's confidence, giving him the assuredness to match wits with Socrates.

Socrates' next step is to discredit anything Euthyphro says. Socrates does this by challenging Euthyphro's beliefs and opinions, thereby challenging his very morals. '… is your knowledge of religion and things pious and impious so very exact, that, supposing the circumstances to be as you state them, you are not afraid lest you too may be doing an impious thing …'; (p. 12) It is through this that Socrates begins challenging Euthyphro's knowledge.

While challenging Euthyphro directly, Socrates is setting a precedent for which he has abided through out his entire search, to disprove the oracle. In Plato's Apology, Socrates defines the absolute basis for all of his actions prior to his trial.

Upon hearing the Delphi's prophecy, Socrates' set out with the intent that '… if I (Socrates) could only find a man wiser than myself, then I might go to the god with a refutation in my hand.'; (p. 31) This combined with Socrates' incessant search for knowledge earned him a reputation as the corrupter of the youth of society.

In order for a person to be corrupted they first must have the knowledge to begin with.