Key Example Of An Effective Socratic Dialogue example essay topic

For over two thousand years, Socratic dialogues have had a deep effect on the progression of society. A key example of an effective Socratic dialogue is that of Plato's Euthyphro. Socrates demonstrates, among other things, the extent to which in our youth we are the most ignorant. In addition, he utilizes his conversation with Euthyphro to accomplish certain things that directly benefit only him.

He uses this conversation to show that he is truly not as wise as everyone believes him to be. He vents his bitterness and practices speaking in preparation for the upcoming trial with Meletus. In part he successfully achieves all of the things he set out to accomplish. In order for Socrates to effectively show the ignorance that is inherently apparent within the youth of society, he must first demonstrate that with age comes knowledge. Using Euthyphro as an example, Socrates first gets Euthyphro to engage in a dialogue on a subject that Euthyphro believes himself to be knowledgeable. He accomplishes this through a combination of flattery and sarcasm numerous times during the dialogue.

At one point he goes so far as to say, 'Rare, friend! I think that I cannot do better than be your disciple. ' ; (p. 12) In doing this, Socrates builds up Euthyphro's confidence, giving him the assuredness to match wits with Socrates. Socrates' next step is to discredit anything Euthyphro says. Socrates does this by challenging Euthyphro's beliefs and opinions, thereby challenging his very morals. '... is your knowledge of religion and things pious and impious so very exact, that, supposing the circumstances to be as you state them, you are not afraid lest you too may be doing an impious thing... '; (p. 12) It is through this that Socrates begins challenging Euthyphro's knowledge. While challenging Euthyphro directly, Socrates is setting a precedent for which he has abide through out his entire search, to disprove the oracle.

In Plato's Apology, Socrates defines the absolute basis for all of his actions prior to his trial. Upon hearing the Delphi's prophecy, Socrates's et out with the intent that '... if I (Socrates) could only find a man wiser than myself, then I might go to the god with a refutation in my hand. ' ; (p. 31) This combined with Socrates' incessant search for knowledge earned him a reputation as the corrupter of the youth of society. In order for a person to be corrupted they first must have the knowledge to begin with. Time after time, Socrates talked to people who were highly revered within the societal hierarchy, and as a result continually came to the same conclusion that, as with Euthyphro, they were all ignorant in most things.

He concluded that youth in its self is ignorant of many things. 'I entreat you not to scorn me, but to apply your mind to the utmost, and tell me the truth. ' ; (p. 25) Therefor, is it not impossible to corrupt a person who is not able to be corrupted in the first place. This inability is derived from our own ignorance. Rightfully so, Socrates believes himself to be ignorant in many things and foolish in many ways. He continually describes himself as 'the reverse of a wise man'; (p. 9), and in doing so, is attempting to humble himself before his peers. He states his reason as follows: 'For a man may be thought wise; but the Athenians, do not much trouble themselves about him until he begins to impart his wisdom to others... '; (p. 10) It is for precisely this reason that he is being persecuted.

The basis for Socrates' wisdom lies in his search for the absolute truth. While Socrates grew older over the years, he learned many of the truths that we are blinded from in our early years. Socrates goes about proving the relationship between old age and great knowledge. Socrates as a result of Euthyphro's inability to maintain the conversation demonstrates his knowledge by leading and directing the conversation. 'As I perceive that you are lazy, I will myself endeavor to show you how you might instruct me... '; (p. 20) From this point on, Euthyphro no longer has any control of the conversation.

In addition to proving the ignorance of youth, Socrates utilizes this conversation to lessen the frustration of the news the trial has given him. To Socrates the real threat is not Euthyphro, but instead Meletus. Socrates sees this as a way to prepare, and to vent at the same time. Numerous times Socrates referred back to Meletus, signifying his underlying goal. Among other things, but perhaps most importantly, was the fact that Socrates was continuing, through ever constant inquiry, to better himself and to come to a higher level of knowledge.

He was not attempting to accomplish this by finding out the meaning of pious and impious, for he already knew the answer. He did it however by challenging himself, and building up a common ground that he could argue against the charges brought against him. It was through constant inquiry, instead of blind acceptance, that he gained his knowledge. 'Ought we to enquire into the truth of this, Euthyphro, or simply to accept the mere statement on our own authority and that of others?' ; (p. 17) Conclusively, we could assume that had Socrates not held a dialogue with Euthyphro, the trial would have gone drastically different, in that perhaps he would have taken a more active role in his destiny. Perhaps he would not have come to recognize the inherent ignorance found in his persecutor. In recognizing the ignorance within Euthyphro, Socrates gains the confidence needed to stand up for himself and defend both his actions and intelligence or lack thereof.

'I must simply fight with shadows in my own defense, and examine when there is no one who answers. ' ; (p. 28) It is only as a result of Euthyphro's incessant ignorance and lack of knowledge that gives Socrates his confidence..