Socrates And Euthyphro's Argument Analysis

Protagoras, a Greek thinker and teacher, while commenting about his affliction to human reasoning and logic, quipped, “Man is the measure of all things.” (Jowett, 1871, p. 17) Just as Protagoras held this philosophy, and the reliance of man to act as man, it is unlikely he could have ever known how Socrates, some many years later, would prove him right. This affirmation was best evidenced by the philosophical argument held between Socrates and Euthyphro regarding man’s moral obligations, and holiness. As such, it is held that moral obligation to divine law, and to man, cannot coexist. This paper will address the concept of holiness and its resonance throughout Plato’s dialogue, and why holiness takes a prominent position in the conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro. Three definitions, used by Euthyphro in his argument with Socrates and how Socrates refutes them will be discussed, to include what is believed to be Socrates’ goal throughout the …show more content…
Euthyphro makes the comment, regarding his families’ ill-temperaments towards him, “Which shows, Socrates, how little they know what the gods think about piety and impiety.” (Jowett, 1868, p. 3) In justification, Euthyphro claims he his act is just according to a higher, or divine, law, which is ironically, due opposite the position Anytus, Lycon and Meletus hold against Socrates. Enter now the unmatched wisdom and adroitness of Socrates, as detailed by Plato, whereby he [Socrates] challenges and pursues Euthyphro through logic and rhetorical