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... nt, this divinity asserts the futility of human knowledge. Socrates could not expect for his interlocutor to be capable of true definition, as prophecy declares his superiority - through the acknowledgement of ignorance - regarding wisdom. Revealing Euthyphro's inability to define holiness is, therefore, necessarily the objective. The accepted Athenian views are also called upon to aid the discussion. Initially, it is a banausic or common belief that Euthyphro rejects concerning the prosecution of his father. "They claim I still shouldn't be concerned with that type of person (slave) they think it's unholy for a son to prosecute his father" (4 d).
Although the term "they" applies specifically in this case to Euthyphro's relatives, the perspective seems generic. This assumption is supported by Socrates' reaction: "Heavens above! It's certainly beyond the masses to know the right course" (4 a), "My word, Euthyphro" (4 e). To assume that this is a typical Athenian reaction is to be on safe ground.
Since Euthyphro takes a stand against common perspective himself, it is unnecessary for Socrates to challenge the premises for such belief (as is the case in other dialogues). The customary education of poetry arises from Socrates as an analogy to help Euthyphro understand his argument: "I am really claiming the opposite of what is said by the poet... " (which continues to explain how holiness is an attribute of justice). The Euthyphro is unique in that common opinion is raised and shattered by the interlocutor, and Socrates initiates traditional opinion himself only to degrade it's value. To support common and traditional belief is typical of the interlocutor in other Socratic dialogues, yet the functional purpose of these arguments remains similar in the Euthyphro nevertheless.
The rejection of both types of opinion is apparent, forcing the interlocutor to perform his own analysis of the truth. The disassociation of individual belief from communal opinion is an integral aspect of Socratic midwifery. For the interlocutor to confront ignorance, he must abandon the crutch of traditional belief. Responsibility of opinion is thrust on the individual, and they are accountable for the consequences of their beliefs.
In this manner, Socrates reveals and enlightens the moral character of his subject. Usually, as in the Euthyphro, the interlocutor reacts to this shattering of the ego, this confrontation with ignorance, as insulting. Euthyphro quickly abandons the argument, showing his distaste. The method employed so successfully by Socrates leads to two separate conclusions: one, an actuality resulting in the execution of philosophy's first martyr; and two, the arrival of definition and, subsequently, the problems of moral philosophy. History affirms the former, leaving the "why?" for reflection. For impiety and corruption of the young, Socrates was found guilty and was sentenced to intake a lethal dose of Hemlock in 399 BC.
Regardless of the verdict, the trial was inevitable. The Euthyphro and all other Socratic dialogues affirm that Socrates attempted to refine the moral concepts of Athenian society. By doing so he reveals the inadequacies of the present moral training upheld in Athens. Socrates' participant stated definitions in terms of traditional education, in terms of respected ancestral belief. Often, the arguments presented involved analogy closely related to traditional poetry or even directly affiliated with Athenian divinities.
Socrates form of argument challenged the moral training within the community. A Christian society instills a sense of guilt, which serves as an internal barrier to immorality. The Greek culture is based on the external appearance of guilt or inadequacy, shame. The method of Socratic argument inflicts shame upon the interlocutor, no matter how adept Socrates may be with ironic flattery. His subject is reduced from a state of false moral opinion to one of pure ignorance. Self-proclaimed experts, like Euthyphro, under-go a tormenting process of belittling.
The foundation of being is exposed, the truth of a continuous state of ignorance. A considerable amount of time and ego is invested in the process of degradation. The inconclusive result is still more cold comfort to an Athenian shamed thus. Possibly Socrates' influence was insignificant enough to avoid the criminal charge that eventually confronted him, but time was the only variable element. By defacing the reputation of his interlocutor, Socrates is disliked. By challenging the traditional moral training of society, to the extent of refuting principle ethical perspectives based on the actions of the divine, Socrates is accused.
Many other factors can be attributed to the manner in which Socrates and his methods were challenged. However, the grounds for and destiny of a trial are sufficiently established through the evidence given. Socrates' had a checkered (although rare) political past. The management of his personal affairs (of integral importance to the quality of the citizen in Greek society) is circumspect, and personally admitted in Plato's Apology. Aristophanes' portrayal of him in The Clouds is somewhat less than exalting.
He was comparable in reputation to other societal offenders such as Anaxagoras. These surrounding issues can be regarded as catalyst qualities to the fated trial. Definition had profound effects on Greek thought, effects that linger in the foremost minds of Western philosophy. Socrates exposed a culture veiled from the truth. Appearance shattered under the weight of Socratic discussion, revealing the inescapable living state of ignorance. The definitions sought for by Socrates' remain inconclusive two thousand years succeeding his contribution.
The imperfection of moral knowledge is a problem that will continue to plague great minds, but the problem may be artificial. Let's return to Parmenides. There he stands, gazing at "is" from the gates of night and day. Neither he nor the divine entity as his guide can properly articulate what "is" (is? ).
Perhaps Socratic dialogue exposes the deficiencies of communication rather than the impossibility of true knowledge. The ant can intuitively understand his role, his function, his purpose in the colony, yet it would be miraculous if he could express this understanding. In this sense, the intuition of being is far superior to the fragmenting method of the intellect. Socrates often utilizes the difference between the body and the soul to express his thoughts. Language is certainly an attribute of body. Intuition could be compared to the communication of the soul - a pure form of knowledge, harmonious with being.
The ambiguity of Socrates, both as a historical figure and as a philosopher, only helps to preserve and exalt one of the most influential beings to grace the face of the planet. Socrates two recorded political activities involved strict adherence to Athenian law, yet were contrary to popular opinion. One, Socrates refused to try the generals of the battle of Arginusae in 406 BC en bloc. Two, he was given orders under the "Thirty Commissioners" to arrest Leon of Salamis, and instead went home. The other claims found at the end of this paragraph are supported most prominently within Plato's Apology, but occur variously throughout Socratic literature. As concerns the management of personal affairs and its importance, see Pericles' Funeral Oration.
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