A Critical Appreciation of Socratic Philosophical Thought in the Narrative of Euthyphro from the Perspective of Chinese Literature

in Critical Survey
Author:
Kan Chen Associate Professor, Hangzhou Polytechnic, China kkan-1001@163.com

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Xiyao Du Lecturer, Zhejiang Normal University, China 38267715@qq.com

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Abstract

This article uses a comparative analysis approach to juxtapose Socratic dialogues in Euthyphro with the Confucian ethical principle of ‘mutual concealment of wrongdoing among family members’ from the Analects of Confucius · Zilu. The comparative analysis approach provides a fresh perspective to comprehend and interpret Socrates’ attitude towards Euthyphro's act of accusing his father in Euthyphro. The analysis reveals that Socrates’ stance is not simply for or against but instead situated within the intricate triangular relationship between Athenian customs, Euthyphro's wisdom and civic morality. From the critical perspective in Chinese literature, Confucius's principle of ‘mutual concealment of wrongdoing among family members’ and the importance of family relations is the oppression of individuals, and ‘accusing his father of a crime’ is the awakening of individuals. However, in Euthyphro, Socrates challenges traditional moral notions, revealing moral decision-making's philosophical depth and complexity.

Contributor Notes

Kan Chen is the author of this article. He is a doctor of Philosophy, Postdoctor of Pedagogy, and he is currently an associate professor at School of Marxism at Hangzhou Polytechnic. His research interests include political philosophy and regional rural governance. He has presided over more than ten projects, and published more than ten related research papers. E-mail: kkan-1001@163.com

Xiyao Du is the corresponding author of this article. She is a Master of Psychology, a lecturer at College of Child Development and Education at Zhejiang Normal University, and engaged in mental health education and counseling for college students. Her research interests include applied psychology and child psychology. E-mail: 38267715@qq.com

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