Abstract

In this work I argue that throughout the Euthyphro Plato uses carefully set out allusions as well as specific technical terminology to model the entire conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro in terms of an Athenian legal procedure called antidosis, "exchange." Within this framework the introductory passages of the dialogue develop the relationship between Euthyphro and Socrates and depict the two interlocutors as disputants in an antidosis challenge, the purpose of which is to determine which of the two interlocutors is the more suitable candidate on the charge of impiety and corruption. The second half of the dialogue, shaped by the antagonism and legal discourse found in an antidosis , continues to develop the analogy and encourages a particular reading of the arguments on the nature of piety. Overall, the antidosis analogy invites readers to view the two halves of the dialogue as a unified whole, and the pervasive allusions to antidosis provide insight not only into otherwise perplexing passages of the dialogue but also into Plato's own philosophical enterprise. ;After providing an overview of the antidosis challenge, I examine three particular passages in the Euthyphro where there is strong correspondence between the conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro and the legal procedure. Once establishing the analogy between the dialogue and the antidosis procedure, I then interpret the entire work in light the procedure. The chief conclusion of the analysis is that Plato likens the benefits of philosophy to that of an antidosis procedure. Just as an antidosis procedure leads to lavishly funded liturgies, public services, for the benefit of Athens, so Socrates' philosophical activity leads to the performance of services to the gods, which the dialogue recognizes as a pious activity