Philosophy

Philosophy

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Philosophy

Using the Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo and the Republic to develop an extended summary of Socratic ethics. This summary should include, among other things, a discussion his views on virtue, right and wrong actions, the polis and its laws, the role of philosophy. Also consider the ethical relevance, if any, of his philosophical method.

Euthyphro

According to Altman (2010), Plato’s dialog Euthyphro is a about a discussion that Socrates had with Euthyphro, a man who was reputed to being wise. The discussion was on piety, that virtue is seen as a manner of living which fulfills an individual’s duty to humanity and to the gods as well. The issue on the virtue of piety is of more interest as Socrates is accused of impiety and is about to stand trial in Athens to determine if he is actually guilty or innocence while Euthyphro is taking his father to court over murder charges. With his father’s command, a man had been bound and thrown into a ditch for killing a domestic servant who later died due to exposure and hunger and Euthyphro therefore believed his father was responsible for his death. Altman (2010) continues that Socrates engaged Euthyphro regarding the meaning of piety, who gave several unsatisfactory answers. As they started the discussion, Socrates wanted to know from Euthyphro the meaning of piety, who answered that it is acting as he was acting in taking to court someone who has done wrong, even though he was a family member. Socrates agreed with him that personal relationships should not be allowed to prevent one from performing his duty, however, he was not still satisfied with the answer because an example of virtue of piety did not equal its definition. He asked him again the meaning of piety so as to know if the charge that Meletus was bringing against him was well-founded and he answers that piety is what pleased...