Plato - Euthyphro

Plato - Euthyphro

Exegesis
The dialogue of Euthyphro documents the quest for wisdom by his mentor, Socrates. This is a very important dialogue in that it shows us the methods Socrates used to try and gain wisdom of the issue and resolve the uncertainty. Socrates was about to face trial and after learning that Euthyphro was going to prosecute his own father in civil court, Socrates wanted to be able to command the same respect that Euthyphro already achieved. Socrates thought that Euthyphro’s actions were morally wrong which in turn became the whole reason behind this argument; Socrates’ overall goal was to establish the idea of doing what is right. Furthermore, Euthyphro claims to fully understand with complete accuracy the divine law of piety and impiety. Euthyphro, however, is unable to help Socrates. In the course of their discussion Euthyphro attempts several distinct definitions of piety, some with clear contradictions, but none of these analyses stands up under scrutiny; Socrates still pry’s for a complete answer.
According to Euthyphro holy is prosecuting wrongdoers and unholy is failing to prosecute, which in this case Euthyphro believes he is doing the right thing by prosecuting is father for murdering a man. He also believes that what is agreeable to the gods is holy and what is not agreeable to the gods is unholy. These two beliefs brings Socrates to the conclusion that a thing or a person loved-by-the-gods is holy, whereas something or someone hated-by-the-gods is unholy. Euthyphro agrees with Socrates’ scrutiny until Socrates finds a loop-hole in Euthyphro’s statement. Socrates then raises the point that the gods do quarrel and have their differences which in turn means that there is mutual hostility amongst them. Different gods also regard different things as just, or as honorable and dishonorable, good and bad; because unless they differed on those matters, they wouldn’t quarrel. Euthyphro firmly agrees with Socrates’ suggestions and continues to...