License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0
Setting and Context
Location: Conversation takes place in the Athenian marketplace near the "porch of the king,” relevant for religious matters.
Characters:
Socrates: Accused of impiety, not acknowledging the city’s gods.
Euthyphro: Prosecuting his father for murder, concerned about religious pollution.
Meletos: Young accuser of Socrates, claiming Socrates corrupts the youth.
Key Themes
Socrates' Indictment
Socrates is being indicted for allegedly corrupting the youth and introducing novel religious ideas.
Meletos is the accuser, possibly motivated by "wisdom" or politics.
Socrates satirically notes the importance Meletos places on the "young plants" of Athens.
Euthyphro’s Case
Euthyphro is prosecuting his own father for murder of a laborer.
Argues it doesn’t matter if the victim is a relative or a stranger; justice and piety should prevail.
Euthyphro claims to have precise knowledge of religious and moral law, which he uses to justify his actions.
The Nature of Piety
Initial Definition: Euthyphro initially suggests that piety is prosecuting wrongdoers like he is doing.
Socrates' Inquiry: Socrates questions Euthyphro to clarify what "piety" truly is.
Euthyphro’s Definitions:
Piety is what is loved by the gods.
Piety is a kind of justice related to serving the gods.
Piety involves knowledge of proper prayers and sacrifices.
Socratic Method
Purpose: Socrates seeks a universal definition of piety through rigorous questioning.
Socratic Paradox: If piety is what is loved by gods, and gods disagree, then the same act could be both pious and impious.
Socrates’ Critique:
Distinguishes between causes and effects (e.g., is it loved because it is pious or pious because it is loved?)
Challenges Euthyphro’s definitions by highlighting contradictions.
Conclusion
Euthyphro leaves the conversation, avoiding a definitive explanation of piety.
Socrates expresses concern that he hasn’t gained clarity on piety, crucial for his defense.
Philosophical Implications
Divine Command Theory: The dialogue questions whether moral actions are right because the gods command them or if they are commanded because they are right.
Role of Religion in Morality: Explores the relationship between divine will and ethical behavior.
Notes
Lyceum: A gymnasium outside Athens, associated with Socratic teachings.
Stoa Basileios: The magistrate's place in the Athenian agora.
Mythological References: Includes stories of Zeus, Kronos, Ouranos, and the mythical craftsman Dedalos.