Social Science

For Njosh Only

Respond to one of the question prompts below with a paper at least three pages, double-spaced. The claims made in your paper should be supported through careful engagement with the text. I welcome you to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like any assistance. You will need to submit an electronic copy and bring a paper copy to class for submission. 

  1. The Euthyphro can be examined from both the search for definitions, and as the struggle between two forms of life; the philosophical and the sophistical/pious.  Why do you think, bearing these two aspects of the text in mind, that the text has an inconclusive ending?  There are several issues that you will want to bear in mind:  How do Socrates and Euthyphro represent different forms of living?  Is Socrates questioning fair?  Does Euthyphros inability to adequately respond to Socrates reflect the weaknesses of the sophistical/pious life?
  2. Socrates claims that the unexamined life is not worth living.  Reconstruct his argument in support of this claim.  First, explain what Socrates thinks is valuable about life. Then explain what the value of examination is. In a paragraph, develop a criticism of one part of Socratess argument.