Virtues and Vices

In the beginning of the text we learn that Euthyphro is a lawyer: “For surely you don’t also happen to have some lawsuit before the King, as I do” (41). Now, as the dialogue progresses, textual evidence would support the more common supposition that Euthyphro has little intellect, as Socrates forces him to reconsider all his arguments. However, his position as a lawyer denotes that Euthyphro is very intelligent. Euthyphro is also very grounded in what he discerns to be pious; in discussing with Socrates why he is prosecuting his father, Euthyphro answers that despite the position of his father, he will prosecute in the name of justice, for “not to proceed against him is impious” (46). This answer shows the Euthyphro recognizes indecision as a decision in itself, and doesn’t allow family ties to get in the way of a societal obligation.

Amongst these virtues, however, Euthyphro also has several vices. The most prominent of the vices includes what appears to be a lack of intellect, but rather, is an inability to formulate an opinion simplified enough as to satisfy Socrates. This may not even be a vice at all, just Euthyphro’s limited experience in having his opinion challenged, and Euthyphro has yet to gain the ability of quick thinking in defending his argument. As a result of this lack of opposition, Euthyphro does have a somewhat inflated ego. On multiple occasions, he tells Socrates, “I will also explain many other things to you…and when you hear them, I know well that you will be astounded” (48). But Euthyphro’s most obvious vice is his lack in vigor in defending his position. Socrates once rebukes him, “Come, you blessed man, exert yourself” (55), but Euthyphro’s missing enthusiasm is best illustrated by Euthyphro’s final line: “Some other time, then, Socrates. For now I am in a hurry to go somewhere, and it is time for me to go away” (61).