What if morality can't be defined-even by religion?
Euthyphro
is one of Plato's most concise yet powerful dialogues-an essential exploration of morality, justice, and religious duty. Set just before Socrates' own trial for impiety, the text features a gripping encounter between Socrates and Euthyphro, a man convinced of his own righteousness as he prepares to charge his father with a religious crime. Through pointed questions and subtle reasoning, Socrates begins to unravel Euthyphro's assumptions about what is truly "pious."
The dialogue's central question-
Is something good because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is good?
-has echoed through centuries of moral philosophy and theology, challenging believers and skeptics alike to consider the origin and nature of ethical truth.
This modern translation preserves the sharp wit, intellectual rigor, and conversational clarity of Plato's original while making it approachable for contemporary readers.
What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:
A Timeless Ethical Dilemma
- Explore the origins of one of the most enduring moral questions in philosophy and theology.
A Masterclass in Socratic Dialogue
- Witness Socrates' method of exposing contradictions and deepening understanding through relentless questioning.
Religion and Morality Intertwined
- Examine the tension between divine authority and human conscience.
A Clear, Faithful Modern Adaptation
- Perfect for students, seekers, and general readers alike, with language updated for ease without losing meaning.
A Philosophical Classic with Modern Relevance
- Consider how Euthyphro's dilemma still shapes debates on ethics, religion, and law today.
More than a historical artifact,
is a living text-one that continues to challenge, provoke, and enlighten.