Plato's Euthyphro

<p>This dissertation explores the elenchus Socrates' method of inquiry and examination as presented in Plato's definitional dialogues specifically in the <em>Euthyphro</em>. The work is divided into three parts:</p><p><strong>Part One: Theories of the Elenchus</strong></p><ul><li>This section provides a foundation for understanding Socrates' method by examining various theories of the elenchus.<ul><li><strong>Chapter 1</strong>: Analyzes the seminal view of Richard Robinson who is one of the key figures in the study of the elenchus offering a classical interpretation of Socratic questioning.</li><li><strong>Chapter 2</strong>: Outlines the development and aftermath of Gregory Vlastos' constructivist view which posits that Socratic questioning is a method of constructing knowledge through a dialogue of conflicting positions.</li><li><strong>Chapter 3</strong>: Focuses on Socrates' own testimony about the elenchus in the <em>Apology</em> where he defends his method as a divine mission to question and examine the beliefs of others.</li></ul></li></ul><p>These chapters establish a variety of perspectives on the elenchus that provide a foundation for comparing how different interpretations fit with Socratic practice.</p><p><strong>Part Two: Commentary on the <em>Euthyphro</em></strong></p><ul><li>The second part shifts to a detailed analysis of the <em>Euthyphro</em> one of Plato's early dialogues.<ul><li>The commentary examines how Socrates' method of questioning operates in the <em>Euthyphro</em> and highlights key features of the dialogue.</li><li>It argues that neither the constructivist nor the non-constructivist accounts of the elenchus presented in the first part fully capture the nature of Socrates' approach in this specific dialogue. The complexity of the <em>Euthyphro</em> suggests that a more nuanced understanding of Socratic questioning is necessary.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Part Three: Technical Destructivism</strong></p><ul><li>The final part introduces the author's own interpretation of the Socratic elenchus termed <strong>technical destructivism.</strong><ul><li>This view aims to offer a clearer and more accurate solution to several problems that arise when trying to reconcile the various alternative theories of the elenchus.</li><li>Technical destructivism focuses on the dismantling or deconstruction of interlocutors' definitions and beliefs through a process that is systematic and intellectually rigorous suggesting that Socrates' method goes beyond mere contradiction to engage in a deeper examination of assumptions and concepts...</li></ul></li></ul><p></p>