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PLATO ESSAY: PlatoÆs Dialogues

is.

Ironically, this passage comes at the end of the Euthyphro, after Socrates has done an excellent job of proving thus far that Euthyphro is not able to definitively define the difference between piety and impiety. Euthyphro is unable to meet SocratesÆ exacting standards for true knowing of a thing, like piety. Socrates demands that a definition provides the ôessenceö of the true nature of piety, one that is clear and must fit in all circumstances. The method used by Socrates to attain wisdom and knowledge is through the kind of self-examination and dialogue exchange we see in Euthyphro, to arrive at an understanding of things unknown. SocratesÆ and EuthyphroÆs discourse arrives at the conclusion that ôEither we were wrong when we agreed before, or, if we were right then, we are wrong nowö (15c).

Either way, because they cannot meet SocratesÆ criteria for defining the essence of a thing (piety), they are still wrong or do not yet know what they sought. This motivates Euthyphro to hastily depart, because they have admitted their ignorance. SocratesÆ passion for philosophy and the search for true knowledge make him feel saddened by EuthyphroÆs abrupt departure. Socrates maintained great hope that he would learn from Euthyphro the true nature of piety and impiety, hopefully wisdom he could later use to defend himself against MeletusÆ charges. Euthyphro cannot define piety and impiety for Socrates because he merely gives examples of such concepts and not a definition of their true essence. Through questions and answers, Socrates disproves his attempted definitions as only examples or as applying to one example of either piety or impiety but not to all examples. Euthyphro becomes frustrated with SocratesÆ form of attaining knowledge, arguing: ôBut Socrates, I have no way of telling you what I have in mind, for whatever proposition we put forward goes around and around an refuses to stay put where we establish...

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PLATO ESSAY: PlatoÆs Dialogues. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 07:44, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1709648.html