Euphorio

   The concept of holiness is explained as pious or impious. Impious is not holy.  It became part of the dialogue because they were discussing how Socrates was always interested in the gods and different religions.  They are accusing him of trying to influence others religions by writing about different gods.   Euthyphro was going to court and present his case against his father for murder.   The two discussed how the gods decide what is holy or unholy.  They came to the conclusion that sacrificing and gift giving to the gods is all that is holy and approved by the gods.  Which makes all other acts unholy.

   The three definitions that Euthyphro speaks about are 1) “what is agreeable to the gods is holy and what is not agreeable is unholy” (Plato)  The gods do not always agree on everything they might think is just to prosecute a man for murder and others do not based on the evidence presented.  2) “what all the gods on is holy and what they all disapproved of unholy Do the gods approve an action because it is holy? Or is it holy because it is approved? “(Plato)  I think that just because an action is approved it doesn’t mean it is holy the act of murder for example it is approved does nor mean it is a holy action even if it is in self defense. 3)  “holiness is a part of justice which is concerned with looking after the gods” (Plato)  By this it is implied that the gods are not perfect as they should be or are made out to be.

   Socrates is trying to build a defense for his case in trial.  He wants to use Euthyphro as an example because Euthyphro is very knowledgeable and if Euthyphro wins his argument.  Socrates would be able to use him as an example in court based on Euthyphro's findings in court.  Socrates said “ SOCRATES: Rare friend! I think that I cannot do better than be your disciple. Then before the trial with Meletus comes on I shall challenge him, and say that I have always had a great interest in religious questions, and now, as he...