During Socrates' lifetime, he exposed the ignorance of many people through the Socratic Elenchus. The Euthyphro is one dialogue in which Socrates uses his Socratic Elenchus. Here is a brief summary of the dialogue: On his way to the courtroom Socrates meets Euthyphro and discovers he is going to the courtroom as well. Euthyphro is surprised to see Socrates there and asks him about his business at court on that day. Socrates explains he is being prosecuted for corrupting the young, for making new gods and not believing in the old ones. Euthyphro then tells Socrates that he is there to prosecute his father on the charge of murdering a murderer. Euthyphro's friends and family believe what he is doing to be wrong but Euthyphro disagrees. Since Euthyphro claims to be an expert on what is pious and what is impious, Socrates attempts to ascertain one true definition of piety. Socrates believes this will strengthen his defense in court. Euthyphro attempts to define piety but with every definition Euthyphro gives, Socrates is there to question and point out the problems with these definitions. Socrates uses the Socratic Elenchus to refute Euthyphro's ideas. This essay will examine what the Socratic Elenchus is, how it is problematic, and how it undermines Euthyphro's definitions of piety.
             The Socratic Elenchus is a method of inquiry used to enlighten people of their own false beliefs. In Greek, Elenchus means refutation. This method consisted of four main parts; (1) Socrates' interlocutor would present an idea. (2) Socrates would then question the interlocutor to reveal further opinions on the topic. (3) If Socrates received an answer inconsistent with the main idea, he would argue with the interlocutor. (4) Socrates is then convinced the interlocutor did not have knowledge of the subject that was brought up. Although Socrates is able to make a fool of his interlocutor, Socrates does not want the interlocutor to fee...