Prep Questions Set#6 Due: Thursday, 9/26
Read the Apology, 153-178
1. The Euthyphro ends in aporia (inconclusively, in puzzlement). One might point to this as evidence that Socrates is some kind of skeptic with respect to moral knowledge (i.e., that he thinks that such knowledge is impossible for us to possess). Do you think that Socrates is a skeptic? Why or why not? If so, why is he a skeptic (i.e., what makes such knowledge impossible for us to possess)? If not, what do you think Socrates’ own definition would be? (Hint: passages from the Apology are relevant to this question.)
2. At the opening of the Euthyphro Socrates implores Euthyphro to teach him what piety is, claiming that such knowledge would help him with his defense. Was Socrates simply being ironic, or is there some way of understanding his request as being sincere? (Again, passages from the Apology should be helpful.)