The Paradox Of Socratess Euthyphro Paradox - 1841 Words

Greek philosopher Plato’s account of the end of fellow philosopher Socrates’ life in The Trial and Death of Socrates includes a plethora of philosophical theories and ideas, but the one that stands out the most is none other than what is known as the Euthyphro Paradox. Found in the â€Å"Euthyphro† section of the book, Socrates brings up the idea of what is actually considered pious, or moral, by asking what exactly makes those things pious in the first place. More specifically, Socrates asks Euthyphro: â€Å"Is the pious being loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is being loved by the gods?† (Plato 11). At first, the irony of Socrates’ question is confusing, and it is never fully answered within the text, but it does force one to think deeper than typically done. That was surely Socrates’ goal in asking the question – to make Euthyphro rethink his ideology before making a life-altering decision. Prior to their conversation, Euthyphro was planning on prosecuting his own father on a questionable charge of tying up a slave and leaving him to die. Socrates initially compliments Euthyphro, stating that most people would not have it in them to be to prosecute their own father, no matter the reason, so Euthyphro’s ability to do so must mean he is much wiser than the average person (4). Euthyphro agrees, which is what leads to Socrates’ question – the Euthyphro Paradox. As stated above, the solution is not directly stated, but is merely discussed by Socrates andShow MoreRelatedSocrates s Euthyphro, The Conception Of Piety, And His Knowledge Of It1139 Words   |  5 PagesIn Socrates’s Euthyphro the conception of piety, and his knowledge of it, comes from Euthyphro’s teachings. Socrates challenges Euthyphro’s knowledge of piety, and how he will defend himself on trial against Meletos accusations. Starting a path of righteousness in Meletos perspective, he’s actually causing more harm to his people. Socrates tries to understand Euthyphro’s definition of piety through his Socratic Method. He goes further on to understand his own meaning of the relationship between godRead MoreWhat Good Is Good?1716 Words   |  7 PagesGolden Age (Bramann). There was little that people knew about Socrates himself because he did not write anything down. Most of his speeches and teachings were told through other people’s interp retations. One person who had his own interpretations of Socrates’s work was another philosopher by the name of Plato. Plato was a great admirer of Socrates and was heavily influenced by him like others in Athens during his time. In the dialogue, The Apology, written by Plato he described Socrates to be a very simple