
Euthyphro
'Euthyphro' Summary
In this dialogue, Socrates meets Euthyphro at the porch of the King Archon. Socrates tells him that he is preparing to go to court against the charges of Meletus on the grounds of impiety. Euthyphro tells Socrates that he is going to court himself to prosecute his father for binding a worker in chains and leaving him to die. This has granted him the ire of his own family who believe his father was in the right. The worker had killed a fellow worker and this they believe, exempts them from liability for leaving him bound in the ditch to starve to death. Since Euthyphro seems assured of himself, Socrates asks him to define piety. His help will clarify Socrates' case in the courtroom. If Socrates is asked to define piety, he can simply rely on Euthyphro's definition. This however leads to the main dilemma of the dialogue when the two cannot come to a satisfactory conclusion. Is something pious because God approves of it or does God approve of it because it is pious? This aporic ending has led to one of the strongest theological debates in religious history.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
GreekPublished In
Authors

Plato (Πλάτων)
Greece
Plato ( Classical Attic; 428/427 or 424/423 – 348/347 BC)) was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece, founder of the Platonist school of thought and the Academy,...
Books by Plato (Πλάτων)Download eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Minor Works of Josephus by Flavius Josephus
There are 3 parts to this collection. Against Apion is a two-volume defence of Judaism as classical religion and philosophy, stressing its antiquit...

A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times vol 2 by Francois Guizot
François Pierre Guillaume Guizot was a French historian, orator, and statesman. Guizot was a dominant figure in French politics prior to the Revolutio...

Some American Storytellers by Frederic Taber Cooper
Frederic Taber Cooper, who was an editor and author, provides a superb insight into the works of some of the most popular authors of the turn of the c...

The Story of Ancient Irish Civilisation by Patrick Weston Joyce
This little book has been written and published with the main object of spreading as widely as possible among our people, young and old, a knowledge o...

Parmenides by Plato (Πλάτων)
Parmenides is one of the dialogues of Plato. It is widely considered to be one of the most challenging and enigmatic of Plato's dialogues. The Parmeni...

World’s Famous Orations, Vol. II: Rome by William Jennings Bryan
This book, 'World's Famous Orations, Vol. II: Rome,' is a collection of renowned speeches delivered by prominent Roman statesmen. Compiled by William...

Carpenter's Geographical Reader: Asia by Frank G. Carpenter
In the captivating pages of "Carpenter's Geographical Reader: Asia," acclaimed author Frank G. Carpenter takes you on an enthralling expedition throug...

History of Japan In Words of One Syllable by Helen Ainslie Smith
'History of Japan In Words of One Syllable' is a simplified account of Japan's history, spanning from ancient times to the late 19th century. Written...

The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 10 by Charles F. Horne
Unravel the enigmas of the past and immerse yourself in the epic tales of human history with "The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 10," a cap...

The Philippics by Marcus Tullius Cicero
The Philippics are a series of 14 speeches composed by Cicero in 44 and 43 BC, condemning Mark Antony. Cicero likened these speeches to those of Demos...
Reviews for Euthyphro
No reviews posted or approved, yet...