What Socrates probably thinks is a good definition of piety

What Socrates probably thinks is a good definition of piety

In the Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro agree that a pious (or holy or godly) person gives God his due (or Heaven its due, or the gods their due). That is why piety is a just act: for justice involves giving someone what is due that person. They likewise agree that this means serving God well, that a pious person is a good servant to God and renders God a good service. The question, then, is raised: what aim do the gods have in using us as their servants? Or, in other words, what is a good servant to “be about”, what do the gods want him to do? Certainly, Euthyphro indicates that he is to ask for aid (to pray) and he is to be grateful for the aid received, honoring and reverencing God for this. All that is true enough. But what is a good servant to do exactly? This, Socrates tells Euthyphro, he has not made clear enough. Had he, Socrates says, he would know what piety is.

Given the above, when we come to the Apology, can we “fill in the blank”? If we put this speech together with the difficulty raised at the end of the Euthyphro, can we see what Socrates probably thinks is a good definition of piety? Write a reflection paper that tries to answer this question.

So, first briefly set up the problem from the Euthyphro. Then reference what you take to be relevant passages from the Apology that may answer this question. You can add some final comment at the end of the reflection as to whether or not you think this a reasonable definition of piety or holiness

Solution preview

Euthyphro is a book that details a short discussion between Socrates and Euthyphro. These two people bump into each other while preparing to get into the court of Athens. Euthyphro is present to take part in his father’s prosecution following an unintentional killing of a person who had been hired to kill. Socrates……………………

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