Tradition and Autonomy in Plato's Euthyphro

In Platos Euthyphro, tradition and autonomy are not opposing forces but rather a necessary tension in human and political life. Norman J. Fischer II identifies the root of this tension and argues for a friendlier version of piety that reveals an understanding of the human soul that opposes the accusers of Socrates and sheds light on the challenge that philosophy poses to the political community. This reading is part of the defense of Socrates against the charges of impiety and corruption.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In Plato's Euthyphro, a profound exploration of the interplay between tradition and autonomy, Norman J. Fischer II reveals that the apparent contradiction between these two forces is, in fact, a vital and necessary tension in human and political life. Through meticulous commentary, Fischer identifies the core of this tension and delves into its multifaceted dimensions, offering a comprehensive account of tradition and piety that fully respects the inherent autonomy of philosophical inquiry. This insightful book demonstrates that Euthyphro's understanding of the generational relationship is marred by enmity and advocates for a more friendly version of piety that can be inferred from Socrates' suggestions, actions, and arguments in the dialogue. Fischer contends that this version reveals a profound understanding of the human soul that both challenges the accusations leveled against Socrates by his accusers and sheds light on the profound challenge that philosophy poses to the political community. In this interpretative reading, Plato's Euthyphro takes on a crucial role in defending Socrates against charges of impiety and corruption, highlighting the shared foundations of politics and philosophy while simultaneously exposing the tensions between political life and the life of the mind.

In Plato's Euthyphro, a profound exploration of the interplay between tradition and autonomy, Norman J. Fischer II reveals that the apparent contradiction between these two forces is, in fact, a vital and necessary tension in human and political life. Through meticulous commentary, Fischer identifies the core of this tension and delves into its multifaceted dimensions, offering a comprehensive account of tradition and piety that fully respects the inherent autonomy of philosophical inquiry. This insightful book demonstrates that Euthyphro's understanding of the generational relationship is marred by enmity and advocates for a more friendly version of piety that can be inferred from Socrates' suggestions, actions, and arguments in the dialogue. Fischer contends that this version reveals a profound understanding of the human soul that both challenges the accusations leveled against Socrates by his accusers and sheds light on the profound challenge that philosophy poses to the political community. In this interpretative reading, Plato's Euthyphro takes on a crucial role in defending Socrates against charges of impiety and corruption, highlighting the shared foundations of politics and philosophy while simultaneously exposing the tensions between political life and the life of the mind.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666928259