Analysis Of Plato s The Euthyphro - 1723 Words

Distinguished as one of the greatest reflective thinkers of all time, Plato was the innovator of many written philosophical dialogues. Accompanied by his teacher, Socrates and his most notorious disciple, Aristotle, Plato set the groundworks of Western philosophy and science amid dialogues such as Apology, Euthyphro, Republic and Laws. These dialogues provided some of the earliest handlings of political inquiries from a philosophical viewpoint. In the Euthyphro, Plato composes a dialogue that transpires in 399 BC, weeks before the hearing of Socrates, for which Socrates and Euthyphro try to determine an absolute meaning for the word â€Å"piety† also known as holiness. To enable the comprehension of the dialogue, this essay will restate the dialogue’s key claims through differentiating between the dialogue Euthyphro, which begins by probing for the definition of the good (a matter of epistemology) and the dilemma presented by Socrates within the dialogue (a matter of on tology). Furthermore, through recapitulating Euthyphros’ various endeavors in defining piety, the essay will contend that Plato utilizes diairesis in the dialogue (definition by division) to elucidate the nature of good. On this basis, the dialogue will exemplify the two conflicting views of religion made by both characters. Backdrop The discourse instigates with Socrates and Euthyphro gathering outside the office of the King Archon, where both must put in an appearance respecting a legal action involving mattersShow MoreRelatedThe Story Of Euthyphro, By Plato1936 Words   |  8 PagesIn the story of Euthyphro, by Plato, Socrates bombards Euthyphro with a series of difficult questions that challenge Euthyphro s knowledge of the term â€Å"holiness.† Euthyphro claims to have â€Å"accurate knowledge of all such things† (Euthyphro, 5b); however, the nature of Socrates’s questions leaves Euthyphro’s arguments revolving in circles. The first general definition of holiness that Euthyphro provides is â€Å"what is dear to the gods is pious, and what is not is impious† (Euthyphro, 7a). This essentiallyRead MoreWhat Are The Charges Against Socrates?1019 Words   |  5 Pageshas been conserved of Socrates defense of himself as it was presented before the Athenian Council. It is in ess ential agreement with the references to the trial that occur in Plato s other dialogs. We may determine that Apology is not written by Socrates and only contains the words of Socrates that were memorized by Plato, since he was present at the time of the trial. However, we know that Socrates was Plato’s teacher and had been admired by him a lot. We should bear in mind that Plato’s viewsRead MoreComparing Twentieth Century Political Thought Leo Strauss And Richard Rorty1421 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction When it comes to an analysis of twentieth century political thought Leo Strauss and Richard Rorty are two indispensable figures. Rorty was a pupil of Strauss at the University of Chicago, and was always quick to acknowledge the influence that his former teacher had on his writing. In the following paper I will briefly highlight and critique the fundamental arguments presented by the duo. Certainly, Rorty and Strauss share a degree of commonality in their critique of the EnlightenmentRead MoreThe Trial of Socrates: an Analysis and Construction of Socrates Defense2369 Words   |  10 PagesThe Trial of Socrates: An Analysis and Construction of Socrates Defense Understanding the decisions made by the jurymen in Socrates trial will always be a mystery, but one can perceive why some would have voted the way that they did. Politically and historically Athens was a thriving place of innovation and philosophical advancements. Athens could very well be divided, morally on various aspects, one of them being which â€Å"political† affiliation Athenians related themselves with. Some choicesRead MoreMartin s Aid Essay1868 Words   |  8 Pagesto these stories, one can begin the journey of comprehending that reality is truly exclusive to one’s being. To begin, Plato explains the story of Socrates and how his settlement has failed him and sentenced him upon an unjust trial. The Five Dialogues focus on the reality of Socrates’ life and the frustrations that he must face in order to define his own actions. Euthyphro answers Socrates on the premises of murdering a stranger by saying: It is ridiculous, Socrates, for you to think that it makesRead MoreSocrates and Properties Essay3228 Words   |  13 Pagesexpert answers. It is important to determine whether Socrates does, in fact, accept priority of definition principle and, if he does, whether he is committed to a false and problematic principle that subjects him to catastrophic results. A textual analysis will be a philosophic inquiry into Socrates’ conception of knowledge, considering what he believes knowledge to be, how the knowledge of definitions fits into his epistemology, and whether or not his conception of knowledge is philosophical compelling