Euthydemus

work by Plato

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June 26, 2026

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The Euthydemus is an early dialogue by Plato, featuring the philosopher Socrates. In this work, Socrates engages with eristics, individuals who practice ostentatious logical disputation. The dialogue showcases Socrates' characteristic method of questioning, where he tests the understanding of his interlocutors on important human issues without delving into metaphysics. The participants are often left in a state of aporia, or confusion, as their initial answers are revealed to be inadequate when examined closely. The Euthydemus serves as an introduction to philosophical inquiry by demonstrating that societal authorities may not possess true understanding and highlighting the need for critical reflection.12

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Plato
Early dialogues of Plato
The Euthydemus shows Socrates among the eristics (those who engage in showy logical disputation). The Euthyphro asks, “What is piety?” Euthyphro fails to maintain the successive positions that piety is “what the gods love,” “what the gods all love,” or some sort of service to the…
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The Euthydemus shows Socrates among the eristics (those who engage in showy logical disputation). The Euthyphro asks, “What is piety?” Euthyphro fails to maintain the successive positions that piety is “what the gods love,” “what the gods all love,” or some sort of service to the…
Read More

eristic
…by Plato in his dialogue Euthydemus. The term is often used more broadly to characterize arguments that rely on subtle but specious forms of reasoning.
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…by Plato in his dialogue Euthydemus. The term is often used more broadly to characterize arguments that rely on subtle but specious forms of reasoning.
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