Concept of piety/holiness: analyzing the conversation between Euthyphro and Socrates

Concept of piety/holiness: analyzing the conversation between Euthyphro and Socrates

Introduction

Philosophy is a subject which defines various subjective arguments in different aspects for the reader to analyze the argument according to his understanding and interpreted it according to his own knowledge. The conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro is a very critical one in terms of philosophy. It can be analyzed for various domains but the prime domain for which we are concerned is the topic of impiety or holiness discussed between Euthyphro and Socrates. This conversation relates itself to the culture and law of Athens, how it was practiced and what were the judgments provided in the cases of those times. Greek civilization is one of the most comprehensive and dominating civilization of the earth and as Athens was its central city the activities practiced in this part of the civilization defined the philosophies of the civilization.

Discussion

As the backdrop of the scene suggests that Socrates was charged for impiety and he went to Euthyphro who was considered as one of the most notable personalities having significant wisdom upon the topic of religion. As Socrates approached Euthyphro he was informed that Euthyphro was already fighting a trial as plaintiff in Athens against his father for committing a murder of a slave who was dependent upon Euthyphro's family for his bread and butter.

It is clearly observable from the conversation that the conversation was depending upon the topic of piety and holiness. As Socrates was charged for impiety as he was liberal in his views towards gods and religion. Similarly, Euthyphro by his debate towards filing a case against his father was highlighting that he was a holy person and was practicing this action against the will of his family to be piety towards his ...