Euthyphro

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Socrates Arguments in Euthyphro and Knowledge about Piety

Introduction Euthyphro is written by Plato which is an explicit example of definitional dialogue of Socrates. The written piece intends to define the concept of piety or holiness. Socrates came to know that Euthyphro is going to prosecute his father accused of a murder and was defending his action to be pious. This urged Socrates to ask a clear definition of piety from Euthyphro which leads to the series of dialogues. Euthyphro tries to define piety to Socrates through different definitions ranging from beloved actions to the justice but neither could satisfy him. Socrates When this written piece is read carefully one can get much knowledge about holiness or it may help to clarify little confusion about the concept of piety and holiness. Socrates argues with Euthyphro to get a satisfactory definition of piety or holiness. In response to those arguments my paper concludes that the definitions given by the Euthyphro and the arguments posed by Socrates ultimately increase the knowledge of an individual regarding different conditions of piety. His arguments truly clarify many doubts related to the piety.

Discussion
Argument #1 Euthyphro advocates that piety is persecuting spiritual lawbreaker. Socrates argues that there are various holy actions besides persecuting.

My Conclusion One might think that piety is about confronting wrong doers or offenders. But this is not the whole concept of piousness because it is not necessary that something offending must also be felonious for other people. It is still not certain that what may please God or what not and it is only God who knows real intentions behind any action. That is why this definition of Euthyphro regarding piety did not satisfy Socrates and he asked for another explanation of piety.

Argument # 2 According to Euthyphro, piousness is what is dear to Gods and rests of the actions are considered to be impious. On the other hand Socrates argued that it is never clear that which action is precious to Gods and it becomes more difficult when there are number of Gods.

My conclusion This argument also enhances the knowledge about piousness because many people believe their own action dear to God while reject others’ as being controversial. No one can truly define the characteristics of beloved action to Gods. Those who consider certain actions to be a sign of piety must give a though over it.

Argument # 3 The next argument that pious is everything loved by God or beloved things of God is pious may seems perplexing but it may also explain confusions about piety.

My conclusion Many of us believe certain particular actions to be pious before God; though this is not the whole truth. Sometimes the smallest actions of a person may lead him to piety. In the same way every apparent pious action may not be a sign of piety for God for he knows the real essence and reason behind it. Further definitions of piety by Euthyphro lead to the argument that it justice may not be piety because it is subjective. A just action for one may not hold same ground for others.

More Arguments Other arguments also declares that it piety is not a result of trading between God and men as God is above everything and it is man who is dependent.

My Conclusion Though the whole argument left unanswered because Euthyphro's definitions were unable to satisfy Socrates, but his arguments explains many doubts of common men regarding holiness or piousness. Once read deeply, the Euthyphro opens many dimensions to understand and ponder upon the concept of piety. It can be said that there is no definite explanation of piety and it is all about will of God.
Reference

Plato, Euthyphro in The Trial and Death of Socrates, translated by G. M. A. Grube, Hackett Publishing (1975), pp. 1-16.