Euthyphro's Critique Of Socrates Argument

Socrates acknowledges his opponent's argument, its defense, and its criticism, and is able to culminate this knowledge into devastating blows to his opponent’s argument and subsequent rebuttals. This deep understanding and tactful precision allows Socrates to orchestrate a “good” argument. His argumentative prowess is best seen through his arguments with Euthyphro and Meletus.
The Argument from the God's opinion is put forth by Euthyphro and consequently challenged by Socrates. Euthyphro states that that which is pious is that which is dear to the gods. Socrates then challenges Euthyphro about his line of thinking, having already said that the Gods differ in understanding of what is “pious”, Euthyphro is cornered by Socrates with his rebuttal that the gods differ in their understanding. Socrates explains that what is “pious” to Zeus may very well be different to what is “pious” to Athena. This leads Socrates to his conclusion that the gods cannot be in …show more content…
Socrates questions Meletus further, asking him if he thinks that Socrates was being detrimental to the youth intentionally or unintentionally. Meletus states that Socrates was being intentionally harmful, perhaps Meletus was aswell. In Greek trials, the 500 men on the jury were easily swayed by the accused parading their family around and pleading for mercy, perhaps this was Meletus’ way of parading and pleading. By stating that Socrates is the sole evil doer in Athens and that he is corrupting the children, some of which parents may be on the jury, Meletus strikes a chord that is undeniable. Meletus makes this personal, as if Socrates was hurting the children on purpose, a rallying point which leaves Socrates in open-ocean without a boat. In that case, Meletus was not being careless but rather tactful and facetious, misleading the jury in arms against Socrates. The jury needs no evidence, only their emotion and it is evident with what they voted