Tag: Euthydemus

You can buy Greg Johnson’s The Trial of Socrates here.

1,975 words

In my essay “The Most Important Thing in the World,” I presented Plato’s argument in the Euthydemus for the importance of philosophy. All men are pursuing happiness. To do so, we try to secure certain goods. Something is good if it contributes to your happiness. Socrates names a number of goods: wealth, health, good looks, the things that the body needs, noble lineage, power, honor among one’s countrymen, moderation, justice, courage, wisdom, and good fortune.

One of the Euthydemus’ most important distinctions is between two kinds of goods: conditional and unconditional. (more…)

Seated Socrates, fresco from ancient Ephesus

1,732 words

Sometimes the most momentous truths can be established with the simplest arguments. A good example is Plato’s argument in his little-known dialogue Euthydemus for why philosophy (the pursuit of wisdom) is more important than any other pursuit. I found this argument completely convincing. It shattered and remade how I lead my life, and I used it to similarly shattering effect for years in Introduction to Philosophy courses. (more…)