# Euthyphro

**Author:** Plato
**Tags:** Classical literature, Philosophy, Ancient, Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC, Piety, Early works to 1800
**Price:** Free
**Formats:** DOCX, EPUB, FB2, PDF, TXT
**Downloads:** 27
**Added:** 10.07.2026
**URL:** https://samolit.com/books/96661

## Description

Plato's Euthyphro invites readers into a profound Socratic dialogue exploring the elusive nature of piety and justice. Set just before Socrates' trial, the esteemed philosopher encounters Euthyphro, a self-proclaimed expert on religious matters, who is controversially prosecuting his own father for an alleged impious act. Through their intense conversation, Socrates challenges Euthyphro's confident assertions, systematically dismantling each proposed definition of holiness. The dialogue famously introduces the "Euthyphro Dilemma," a foundational question in ethics: Is an action pious because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is inherently pious? As Socrates probes deeper, the discussion illuminates the complexities of moral reasoning and the limits of relying solely on divine authority or conventional beliefs. Ending inconclusively, this timeless work encourages independent thought and a critical examination of deeply held values, pushing readers to confront the uncertainties inherent in defining fundamental moral concepts.