Euthyphro

Name: Euthyphro
Author: Plato

By Plato

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About This Book

A brief Socratic conversation records an encounter outside a magistrate's court where one interlocutor is prosecuting his father and Socrates is awaiting trial; they seek a general definition of piety. Through a sequence of proposed definitions—piety as prosecuting wrongdoers, as what is pleasing to the gods, and as service to the gods—Socrates exposes contradictions and solicits refinements, highlighting tensions between divine approval and moral standards. The discussion uses question-and-answer refutation and ends without a definitive definition, leaving central questions about holiness and divine morality unresolved.

About the Author

Plato

Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, whose works have profoundly influenced Western philosophy. He is best known for his dialogues, which explore various philosophical themes including ethics, politics, and metaphysics. Among his most notable works is the "Apology," which presents Socrates' defense during his trial. Plato founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. His writings, characterized by their dialectical method and exploration of ideal forms, continue to be studied for their insights into human thought and society.