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Definition Of Piety In Plato's Apology

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Definition Of Piety In Plato's Apology
In the text Euthyphro, Socrates is attempting to help wisdom by creating a true definition of piety. This aids in wisdom because Socrates believes that in order for someone to prosecute another for a crime, the prosecutor must know what the definition of the crime is. If the prosecution cannot formally define why they are prosecuting that individual, then the prosecution’s claim is unjust. Socrates does this by asking Euthyphro, someone who is charging another with impiety, what the definition is because out of all people he should know. By having a conversation with Euthyphro on the definition of piety, Socrates is actually benefitting Athens even though Euthyphro does not see it what way. Socrates accomplishes this by removing any false …show more content…
First, Socrates is an outsider, so even though he preaches many philosophical ideas, he did not grow up with many of the teachings and stories that all Athenians grew up with, potentially causing a difference in their original values. Also, Socrates can be viewed as out of place in Athens because he is not like most other Athenian citizens –by constantly challenging others beliefs, he is attempting to bring the people of Athens out of place with him. Next, Athens is in a state of ruin, coming off a lost war with Sparta which caused the citizens to question many of their ideals and the stability of the state to become fragile. Socrates questioning the citizens on their ideals only adds to the fragility of the state, pushing it closer to a state of crisis. In the play Oresteia, Athena warns the Athenians to be weary of internal threats. During the Apology, Socrates is called and can be viewed as an internal threat, jeopardizing the safety of other Athenians and drawing on their fear to start an uprising against the government. Socrates also shows the virtue of arrogance in Plato’s piece, choosing his punishment to be free meals at the public’s expense which is more like a reward instead of choosing an actual punishment. By his arrogant actions, Socrates is actually harming wisdom because he refuses to listen to the views of other
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