【英文原著类】Euthyphro(欧蒂弗罗篇).pdf

EUTHYPHRO
EUTHYPHRO
Plato
Translated by Benjamin Jowett
1
EUTHYPHRO
INTRODUCTION.
In the Meno, Anytus had parted from Socrates with the significant
words: 'That in any city, and particularly in the city of Athens, it is easier
to do men harm than to do them good;' and Socrates was anticipating
another opportunity of talking with him. In the Euthyphro, Socrates is
awaiting his trial for impiety. But before the trial begins, Plato would like
to put the world on their trial, and convince them of ignorance in that very
matter touching which Socrates is accused. An incident which may
perhaps really have occurred in the family of Euthyphro, a learned
Athenian diviner and soothsayer, furnishes the occasion of the discussion.
This Euthyphro and Socrates are represented as meeting in the porch
of the King Archon. (Compare Theaet.) Both have legal business in hand.
Socrates is defendant in a suit for impiety which Meletus has brought
against him (it is remarked by the way that he is not a likely man himself
to have brought a suit against another); and Euthyphro too is plaintiff in an
action for murder, which he has brought against his own father. The latter
has originated in the following manner:--A poor dependant of the family
had slain one of their domestic slaves in Naxos. The guilty person was
bound and thrown into a ditch by mand of Euthyphro's father, who
sent to the interpreters of religion at Athens to ask what should be done
with him. Before the messenger came back the criminal had died from
hunger and exposure.
This is the origin of the charge of murder which Euthyphro brings
against his father. Socrates is confident that before he could have
undertaken the responsibility of such a prosecution, he must have been
perfectly informed of the nature of piety and impiety; and as he is going to
be tried for impiety himself, he thinks that he cannot do better than learn
of Euthyphro (who will be admitted by everybody, including the ju