Plato's Definition Of Piety Analysis

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Euthyphro, one of Plato’s dialogues, examines in depth the definition of piety and what makes an action pious. This question becomes the focal point of a lengthy discussion between Euthyphro and Socrates. Socrates takes on the role of a student with the hope of learning from the wise Euthyphro so that he can challenge Meletos regarding his indictment. What could be a very concise and brief conversation evolves into a circular philosophical exchange that leaves both Socrates and the reader with an unsatisfying definition of piety. One aspect of Plato’s dialogue that causes the unresolved sentiment at the end is the method through Socrates attempts to extract a well-developed definition of piousness from Euthyphro. Socrates asks question after question of the philosopher, and attempts to highlight Euthyphro’s lack of complete understanding of the matter. By engaging the other man in conversation, Socrates forces him to talk in circles about the definition of piety in various given circumstances. He qualifies each of Euthyphro’s definitions by saying that they are missing a necessary component. The cycle of questioning demonstrates how ambiguous some …show more content…
The wise man contradicts himself several times throughout the dialogue and his reasoning lacks concrete evidence. The communication barrier between the two men and the lack of clarity in speech also contribute to the failure of this dialogue to fully address and propose a solution to the posed question. There is no definite solution, and it ends with the parting of the two men without reaching a concluding agreement about the problem at hand. Despite the absence of a universal definition of piety, Plato’s dialogue succeeds in causing the reader to ponder when an action is moral or immoral, pious or impious, and just or
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