Meet Euthyphro

For being brow-beaten, Euthyphro is a tolerant person. He likes Socrates, and he questions Socrates poses. He enjoys the mind-games presented, and he uses his mind to attempt to come to conclusions. Although he does not always come to these conclusions the way Socrates would like, Euthyphro tries very hard to please this smart man. This attempt on Euthyphro’s part is seen when Socrates gives him a question to work with, then makes him refine his answer again and again. Even though Euthyphro ends up returning to his original answer (which was vague), he gives his answers his all; he gives it his best shot.

On the down side, Euthyphro believes many things he cannot prove. For example, Socrates questions the gods’ wars’ and Euthyphro does not. Euthyphro believes the gods are truly up there, fighting amongst themselves, and playing their petty games. Where Socrates questions this, for he cannot believe that is what they are doing if they exist, Euthyphro believes it without questioning. It is this pattern that leads him to give answers he firmly believes in, but is unable to back them up.

Being young (as in, younger than Socrates), Euthyphro still has much to learn. He seems to accept this, and want to further his education. Although a believer in things he cannot prove, his attempt to live a full, moral life shines though.