Plato's Hidden Intent
Plato's Hidden Intent At first glance, one would see the "Euthyphro," by Plato, to be a near explanation of holiness from one friend to another. Opinions are introduced, positions are presented, and friendly banter ensues. Would this lead to any breakthroughs? One would think so. Perhaps, though, that was not the intent. Plato uses the dialogue between Euthyphro and Socrates to convey to his audiences that holiness cannot be defined in just one way. Instead, it is a quality that changes from person to person. He uses inductive reasoning through rhetorical questions and blatant logic; and even seems to use Euthyphro as a tool to leave the conversation open ended and show this. Socrates spends a great deal of time trying to make Euthyphro
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That is to say, disagreeing would fall along the lines of saying that water is not water. The fact that Socrates poses these questions that cannot seem to be answered only goes to show that there is not necessarily an answer at all. Euthyphro is being agreeable to appease Socrates and stop him from asking more questions. Socrates is not seeing that no matter how hard he tries, Euthyphro will not be swayed. Euthyphro is in touch with his true knowledge and ideas, but Socrates feels he is making progress. Towards the end of the dialogue, Socrates begins to believe that he is getting somewhere with Euthyphro. Just a few more questions and Euthyphro will be fully enlightened. Or will he? Socrates begins to make his closing argument, and is ready for Euthyphro's final words on the subject. He starts, "Then either we were wrong before, or, if we were right then, we are wrong now we must begin again and ask, what is holiness? That is an inquiry which I shall never be tired of pursuing as far as I can." (p. 13) He goes on to ask for Euthyphro's word once again. The response he receives this time though is unexpected. "Another time, Socrates, for I am in a hurry and must go now." (p. 13) This is the end of the "Euthyphro." Perhaps not much of an ending since nothing is resolved, however that may have been the idea. Leaving the question unanswered, Socrates unfulfilled, and problems unresolved
That is to say, disagreeing would fall along the lines of saying that water is not water. The fact that Socrates poses these questions that cannot seem to be answered only goes to show that there is not necessarily an answer at all. Euthyphro is being agreeable to appease Socrates and stop him from asking more questions. Socrates is not seeing that no matter how hard he tries, Euthyphro will not be swayed. Euthyphro is in touch with his true knowledge and ideas, but Socrates feels he is making progress. Towards the end of the dialogue, Socrates begins to believe that he is getting somewhere with Euthyphro. Just a few more questions and Euthyphro will be fully enlightened. Or will he? Socrates begins to make his closing argument, and is ready for Euthyphro's final words on the subject. He starts, "Then either we were wrong before, or, if we were right then, we are wrong now we must begin again and ask, what is holiness? That is an inquiry which I shall never be tired of pursuing as far as I can." (p. 13) He goes on to ask for Euthyphro's word once again. The response he receives this time though is unexpected. "Another time, Socrates, for I am in a hurry and must go now." (p. 13) This is the end of the "Euthyphro." Perhaps not much of an ending since nothing is resolved, however that may have been the idea. Leaving the question unanswered, Socrates unfulfilled, and problems unresolved