Since Euthyphro is an expert in religion and seems capable of finding the right course to pursue in what appears to Socrates a dilemma (the prosecution of Euthyphro’s father), and since Socrates is facing a religious charge, he proposes that he become Euthyphro’s student in religion. “And what is piety, and what is impiety? ” This response is what leads into a discussion of the main topic of the dialogue: piety. According to accepted beliefs, harboring a manslayer is wrong and pollutes those who associate with him. When Socrates points out that, according to accepted beliefs, it is wicked to harm or bring disgrace on one’s father, Euthyphro counters that that makes no difference. A man must be an extraordinary man and have made great strides in wisdom, before he could have seen his way to this” This quote from Socrates comes after he asks Euthyphro what he is doing on the porch of King Archon.Įuthyphro responds by telling Socrates that he is there to bring up a charge of murder against his father. “By the powers, Euthyphro! how little does the common herd know of the nature of right and truth. I will now use the Euthyphro, the Apology, and the Crito dialogues as three examples of how Socrates-either speaking with someone directly or to an audience of patrons-is in constant search to find answers, not only for him but also for others.

Socrates is not only on the quest for himself, but also on a quest to make his fellow Athenians question their own preconceived notions of said meanings.

The trial & death of socrates