Euthyphro (Part V)

Socrates:   By Zeus Euthyphro, do you think you possess such accurate knowledge about divine affairs and how things pious and impious are shaped by particular circumstances? That these events have taken place as you say, are you not afraid of prosecuting your father, and you yourself commit an act of impiety?

Euthyphro: My profession, Socrates, would be no advantage to me, nor would Euthyphro surpass in any respect other men unless he accurately knew all the fine details.

Socrates: O wonderful Euthyphro, it will be most worthwhile for me to become your disciple, and before my case is determined, let Meletus know that I now consider the knowledge of divine concerns a thing of the greatest consequence. And because he says I am guilty of acting in a rash manner and introducing novelties into matters of divine nature, I have decided to become your disciple.

I will ask Meletus to acknowledge that Euthyphro is wise and thinks accurately in such matters; think and judge the same of me. But if he does not entertain this opinion, then I will ask him to call yourself to account as my teacher before calling myself, as yourself is the one who corrupts elderly men, namely me and your father. Myself is corrupted through teaching and your father by expressing blame and punishing.

Euthyphro: By Zeus Socrates, it will be so. If he attempts to accuse myself, I shall find his weak side and he will be called to account in a court of justice long before myself.

Socrates: I, my dear associate, in knowing these things, desire to become your disciple because I am convinced that no one, not even Meletus himself, would dare to look you in the face. Although he sees through myself so naturally and so keenly that he has been able to accuse me of impiety.

Plato, The Euthyphro

In his mind, Euthyphro, within the space of a conversation, has moved from the side of the many to aligning himself with Socrates - an almost unattainable stance.

Socrates will now put Euthyphro to the test.

A thread of humour weaves through this dialogue.

Note from the editor of Classical Philosophy