Virtues and Vices

By definition virtues are the conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral and ethical principles. Euthyphro, by this definition, has perfect virtues. In the story, Euthyphro contemplates bringing his own father to trial for a murder. I believe anyone who can bring his own father to trial for a murder is obviously a supporter for doing the right thing in terms of moral and ethical principles. Socrates asks Euthyphro a question if he would have a problem bringing his own father to justice. Euthyphro responds by saying, “Its laughable Socrates, that you suppose that it makes any difference whether the dead man is an outsider or of the family, rather than that one should be on guard only for whether the killer killed with justice or not…but if not to proceed against him, if that is, the killer shares your hearth and table.” We have talked about it multiple times in class and I have decided that I could not bring myself to do that. Only a man with the moral principles to do the right thing no matter the circumstances could do that. Vices, by definition, are an evil, degrading or immoral practice or habit. I believe that what could be a man’s virtues, could also be a man’s vices. In my eyes, I look at bringing your father to trial as a vice. I believe that is evil and Socrates, his teacher, was second guessing his decision. He brings up the question, “You don’t fear that by pursuing a lawsuit against your father, you in turn may happen to be doing an impious act?” I guess it is safe to say Socrates and I are on the same intelligence level because we are thinking the same thing. An act like that would be wrong to me.