Plato’s Dialogues: Dr. Kenney’s Answers
Dr. Kenney, notes for Plato’s Euthyphro; study guide questions
1. Who is Euthyphro? A professional priest in Athens about whom we know nothing other than what can be
learned from this dialogue. He seems to know what piety means.
2. Who is Meletus? A young, not well known, indictor of Socrates. He had long hair, a sparse beard, and an
aquiline nose. He was from the Pitthem deme (one of 140 districts in Attica). Since he is indicting Socrates,
he too must know what piety means.
3. What is the setting or occasion for this dialogue? Outside the King Archon’s court Socrates and
Euthyphro just happen to bump into each other. See overhead map of Athens and picture of Socrates (sorry
Euthyphro didn’t keep his picture appointment as he ran out of time while talking to Socrates)
4. How is the term piety used in this discourse? In a fairly casual manner at the beginning but the dialogue
seeks to define this term. Here are some considerations that may help.
In the twentieth century piety means: 1. Devotion to religious duties and practices; 2. Loyalty and devotion
to parents, family, etc.; 3. A pious act, statement, belief (Webster’s). We normally call someone pious if
they are scrupulous in their efforts to do the “right thing.”
In ancient Greece, the word piety meant pretty much the same thing and, like the English word “piety,” the
term could have close associations with several related terms and loosely be used as a synonym for these
terms. Here is a brief list of English terms and definitions with Greek counterparts:
Piety/hosion*= what one thinks is right; personal opinion; subjective conscience; what one thinks
is right based on morality or religion
Tradition/themis=what is sacred by tradition
Justice/dike=what is right by human law and/or divine revelation
Law/nomos=what is right by civil and/or divine law; convention
Nature/phusis=what is right by nature
Godly fear/eusebes=what is done out of respect of the gods
*has roots with the Greek word ethos, from which we get ethics; this word has an interesting historical
background which I will explain in class
5. In what context(s) is Socrates defining piety? Well, he starts from the particular context that Euthyphro is
in (indicting his father for murder) and he is in (being indicted by Meletus). But he aims to define all
occurrences of piety. He wants to know the form (Greek: eidos; English idea) of piety. What principle of
definition covers all occurrences of the phenomenon of piety?
6. How many definitions of piety are given in this discourse? The first clear definition is found at 7a “what
is dear to the gods is pious.” But Socrates objects that the gods do not all agree, so we get to the next
definition at 9e “what all the gods love is pious.” A third and fourth definition eventually emerge “a trading
skill between gods and men” (14e) and “what is dear to the gods” (15c). But these too are rejected.
7. Why is defining piety a problem? It is hard to be comprehensive and cover all instances and aspects of
piety. It is easier to define an aspect of piety.
8. What precisely is Socrates looking for in his definition of piety? A definition to cover all instances of the
phenomenon, what he calls the form of piety.
9. Analyze Euthyphro’s situation. Do you think he is pious or impious for seeking to prosecute his father?
Explain. Be sure to provide us with your definition of piety. Euthyphro is attempting to indict and prosecute
his father for the murder of a dependent who killed a slave. I think he is pious for wanting to have a crime
prosecuted but he is simply not the one to do it. In today’s legal system one would say that there is a
conflict of interest. Nothing wrong with prosecuting those accused of a crime. There is a lot wrong with
having a family member involved with the prosecution (see 4b to 5e). Family members tend to be biased or
inappropriately motivated for good or ill.
10. Do you find this dialogue enjoyable? Why? Why not? Do you find Socrates a likeable character? Why?
Why not? Would you, if you had the opportunity, like to engage Socrates in a conversation? Why? Why
not? Yes I loved this dialogue. It is an interesting scenario and at places really makes you think. I did get
bogged down in a few spots but overall it was worthwhile. Socrates is a likeable character but I’m
suspicious that he would be annoying. I sense a bit of trash talking in Socrates. It seems to me that he
borders on mocking others (see 2c; 8a and b; 9a and b; 14d; and 16). I might exercise caution in my
relationship with Socrates. I would be slow to reveal myself and slow to yield power in the relationship. I
think he meant well but his sense of mission in life may at times have outweighed his common sense and
perspective.
Additional note. As an aid to our discussion I am listing the following contemporary bases for making
moral decisions.
Divine command theory
Kantian ethics
Utilitarianism
Moral relativism
Sociobiology
Psychology
Social contract
revelation
reason
maximum pleasure
culture
fitness maximization &
Inclusive fitness
fear, reward, approval, duty, law, universality
human negotiations
Dr Kenney’s notes: For the Apology:
1. Was Plato present at the trial? Yes. See 34a and 38b.
2. Do you think Plato provides 100% accuracy in reporting the Apology of Socrates? Why? Why not?
Where might you suggest he embellished? No, I don’t think we have 100% accuracy here, there, or
anywhere. Even if we did one would need an accurate interpretation. In class, I will read a classic statement
from Thucydides, a contemporary of Socrates, who explains his procedure on composing “accurate”
speeches. The selection is from The Peloponnesian War Book 1, Section 21-22. As far as what I think
might be embellished: Certainly, Plato is interested in presenting Socrates in a favorable light. He may have
eased up on some of Socrates’ weaknesses and over played his strengths. It would be interesting to
compare this apology with an alternate version written by Meletus, Anytus, or Lycon, the accusers of
Socrates.
3. Who are Socrates’ accusers and what are the accusations? Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon accuse Socrates
of: denying the gods; corrupting the youth; pestering the politicians, poets, and craftsmen of his day; and,
making the worse argument the stronger; see 22b-c and 23 d.
4. How many citizens voted in this case? What was the verdict? By what margin? 501 male, land holding
citizens. Guilty by 281-220; a slim margin. By the way, this I think favors the reliability of Plato’s report.
Why? Plato does not present Socrates as denying that he went around pestering people but he does present
Socrates as one committed absolutely to truth, honesty, justice, and virtue.
5. What is the sentence? Death; Socrates could have opted for a fine or exile but seemed to want everyone
to live with the full impact of their decision. This may have been a bit of hubris on Socrates’ part. Or, it
could have been, as he states, the will of his divine guide (see 40b).
6. What manner of speech does Socrates employ in his defense? Examine his style and comment. Socrates
appears direct and forthright. He doesn’t seem to dodge bullets. He is bold, deliberate, and courageous. He
announces that he will conduct himself at this trial utilizing the same method of speech, the dialectic, as he
normally does when he goes around challenging the citizens of Athens. In places, he seems to mock others
or bully them, as this does seem annoying. Yet, it may be the only way to shake others from their lethargy
or awake them from their dogmatic slumbers. He ironically comes across at times as a “know it all” by
claiming to not know anything. Passages to support the above are found at: 18b; 21c; 21d; 23b; 25b-28d;
29a-d; 36c;
7. Comment on the verdict. Which way would you have voted? Is Socrates persuasive? Where or how
might he have improved his case? Does he seem innocent to you? Does he appear honest? I certainly think
death is far too serious a penalty for being a pest. I’m not sure the Athenians really wanted Socrates to die. I
think Socrates wanted to force the Athenians to have the same level of integrity that he thought he had. I
would have voted for his innocence or I would have abstained as it seems to me that this may have been
sort of a circus court. Socrates is persuasive but I think he could have been more persuasive by admitting
that he, here or there, may have overplayed his hand. I think he is somewhat guilty and somewhat innocent.
I think he was very sincere and his sincerity may have blinded him to the dictum that “sincerity is no
guarantee of truth.”
8. What are Socrates’ strong points? His deep convictions
9. What are Socrates’ weaknesses? His deep convictions
10. Why does Socrates refuse an alternative sentence to death? His deep convictions (please note that my
three-fold repetition of “deep convictions” intends to say more than can be said by these two words). Its
almost as if Socrates viewed the trial as a trial of his convictions rather than a trial about his personality or
conduct based on those convictions. I think he thought he was so right that he was the right he thought.
11. For Socrates “the unexamined life is not worth living.” What is your understanding of this classic
sentiment? Do you agree or disagree with Socrates? Comment: Socrates sees himself as the “examiner.”
Hence, he justifies his mission with this statement. The Athenians may be just living life as “useless
passions,” not knowing where they are going or why they are here or they may have glib answers but their
lives do not seem to match their professions of faith. I agree with Socrates’ comment. The issue is not the
statement itself but how the value that this statement contains is upheld and mediated to others.
12. Comment on the spiritual and moral beauty of the Apology. What is your assessment of the document?
Is it a classic? Does Socrates inspire you? Find a passage or two where Socrates is especially appealing.
Conversely, provide a critique of Socrates. One is hard pressed to deny Socrates bold stand and deep
convictions. He seems genuinely a martyr willing to die for his cause. It seems to me that he loved the truth
and was willing to die for it. Its sad that no one came to his rescue (even though we will read of Crito’s
attempt in the next dialogue). The spiritual and moral beauty of this speech is evident in several places.
Socrates faces death with no fear and notes that of the two, wickedness and death, wickedness runs faster
and catches the people who fear death more than they should (39a). The whole of section 29 is impressive.
Socrates comes across as a true prophet pointing out to others that they have all their values backwards.
This certainly is a classic and is worth several re-reads. I think I have provided enough of a critique of
Socrates and would like to end on the positive note of these compliments.
Explanatory note on Socrates’ use of “the god.” He might be referring to the god of the Delphic Oracle
(Apollo) but also he may be using the phrase in a generic manner. The phrase “the god” (ho theos in Greek)
referred to “the unity of the religious world in spite of its multiplicity” and/or “an ordered totality of gods,
of a world of gods” and “it found its first expression in the person of Zeus” (all taken from TDNT 3:67).
Theos is “used interchangeably to denote the impersonal metaphysical powers and forces and it is thus
often replaced by general and neutral terms, like the divine destiny, or even the good, the existent, the one”
(also from TDNT 3:69).
Dr. Kenney’s notes: For the Crito:
1. What is the setting of this dialogue? Socrates is in prison until a state galley returns from its annual
religious mission to the island of Delos.
2. Why is Socrates’ execution delayed? it simply was the custom to avoid executions during this time.
3. Who is Crito? Socrates’ old and faithful friend.
4. What “arguments” does Crito use to persuade Socrates to escape?
a) 44c: Crito will be deprived of a friend; b) 45b: his friends are willing to bear the financial burden of an
escape; c) 45c: they have friends in Thessaly; d) 44d: what Socrates is doing is just flat wrong; he is
betraying his sons and denying them of a needed father; death is the easier path whereas escape requires
courage and virtue;
5. How does Socrates counter Crito’s arguments? 47a: whose opinion should one listen to? 47d-e: what is
more important, body or soul? 48b: is it life or the good life that is more important?
6. Is there a simple, single, underlying principle causing Socrates to stay his course? What is it? 49 c and d:
one must never do wrong willingly or inflict wrong in return for wrong; It seems to me that the self-evident
tautology here is: “one should never do wrong.” But this, then, implies: a) not doing wrong to others (two
wrongs don’t make a right); be faithful to agreements (see 49e); uphold civic duty; honor the courts; virtue
and justice man’s most precious possessions (53d). Add to this, the note that Socrates is concerned about
his own integrity (see 53e). It is obvious that Socrates is a proud man. Note how he reduces Crito to silence
(see 54d).
7. Do you agree or disagree with Socrates’ position? Why? Why not? I admire Socrates for sticking to his
convictions. At the end of the day, it was not about Socrates, it was about the truth he stood for. Had he
gone back on his integrity he would have made a mockery out of his words at the trial (see the Apology).
But, then, Socrates may be taking himself too seriously. Did he think that integrity and truth would not
survive without him? I guess at the end of the day you have to respect Socrates’ decision, agreeing or not
agreeing, it was his decision.