“the unexamined life is not worth living”
This is certainly the most famous quote from “Apology” and may very well be the most well-known expression to be found throughout this entire collection of dialogues. It is often said in a glib manner detached from context and applied generally to the concept of existence. In light of the extraordinary level of willed ignorance to be found in much of a population which has its disposal the instant ability to use a worldwide database of information to facilitate self-awareness and understanding, this is not a bad quote for application. Placed in context, however, the actual meaning is slightly altered. On trial for his life, the suggestion has been made to Socrates that he can avoid paying the ultimate penalty merely by ceasing his very practice of engaging in philosophical dialogues intended to instruct the youth of Athens in truths contrary to official dogma. His response is both his defense and his doom. It is not just his own life which he is compelled to examine, he cannot resist the urge to teach others the value of examining their own lives.
“What is piety?”
This question does not just lie at the heart of this dialogue, it is the meat and potatoes as well. Everything about the dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro revolves around the question that Socrates asks and the fact that Euthyphro cannot provide anything close to an adequate answer, much less a definitive one. In fact, the best that Euthyphro can really do is give examples of what he considers to be acts of piety or impiety from which one is expected to extrapolate meaning. The problem is that the answer Socrates is demanding is one that can be applied universally to all circumstances. While exemplary definitions reveal a framework for an answer, those answers can really only be applied to the limitations of the circumstances. This would be the same thing as asking if murder is immoral and then providing an example of murdering in self-defense in which case the likely answer would be that it is not immoral. The basic idea going on here is simple: if one cannot define the meaning of a word, one should not profess to possess wisdom about the subject. It is an analysis of ignorance and hypocrisy.
“I know that my plainness of speech makes them hate me, and what is their hatred but a proof that I am speaking the truth?”
Socrates is considered among the wisest men that ever lived. He is regarded as the father of all philosophy which flowed outward ever after from his teachings to the youth of Athens. But that does not mean that every word out of his mouth is gold. This particular little nugget is one of the finest examples of his fails, if you will. He is directing this statement specifically to those whose accusations have brought him to being on trial at which his very life is at stake: Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon. He may have a point on the principle of specificity, but throughout his dialogues, Socrates has been a stickler for the application to the universal of all truths. So if one extrapolates from the assertion that an expression of hatred is proof one is speaking the truth, what are we to make of that? Shudders, most likely, when one thinks of all the conspiracy crazies who have made the exact same argument.
