Plato's "Euthyphro"

Analytical Essay # 104782

English > Analysis
Literature > Greek and Roman
Philosophy > Ancient Greek

Plato's "Euthyphro"

Looks at the concept of piety in Plato's dialogue "Euthyphro".

1,175 words () | 0 sources | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper begins by describing, from Plato's "Euthyphro", the scene of Socrates and Euthyphro meeting in front of the court house, where Euthyphro is about is prosecuting his own father in a murder case. The author points out that this situation brings about a dialogue about piety. The paper then presents definitions of piety based on this conversation. The author concludes that this dialogue proves to the readers that, in order to form some type of understanding about divine and philosophical issues, patience and effort needs to be donated to gain insight. The paper includes quotations and a diagram.

From the Paper:

"Another meaning of piety is given declaring that it is "knowledge of how to sacrifice and pray." Socrates becomes dissatisfied with this answer since "sacrifice" and "prayer" need to be further defined. Prayer is understood by both men as needed to ask the gods for wisdom. Sacrifice, on the other hand, is not necessary since the gods do not benefit from it, claims Socrates. Hence, prayer is needed but sacrifice is not. The goal of the gods is to "accomplish the good." This statement made by Socrates opens up a new question of what exactly "good" is."