Euthydemus by Plato (360)
The dialogue revolves around the concept of wisdom and its relationship to rhetoric. Crito brings his friend Socrates to meet two brothers, Euthydemus and Dionysodorus, who claim to be able to teach their son how to become wise through their unique method of argumentation. Socrates is initially skeptical but eventually engages in a series of conversations with the brothers, during which he demonstrates the flaws in their approach. The dialogue highlights the tension between wisdom and rhetoric, as well as the limitations of language in conveying truth. Through Socrates' interactions with Euthydemus and Dionysodorus, Plato critiques the idea that one can become wise through the study of rhetoric alone. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of genuine knowledge and understanding in achieving true wisdom.
By Plato · First published 360 · Genre: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Comedy · 18,489 words
First lines
Persons of the dialogue: Socrates, who is the narrator of the Dialogue Crito Cleinias Euthydemus Dionysodorus Ctesippus
Scene: The Lyceum
What this Textopian page supports
Euthydemus is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plato, dated 360 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Plato
- Date: 360 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Comedy, Educational, Metaphysical
- Length: 18,489 words
- Structure: 1 section, 626 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Euthydemus by Plato
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Euthydemus?
- How does this essay by Plato fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Dialogue first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Philosophical Dialogue — The work primarily explores philosophical concepts through dialogue between characters.
- Socratic Dialogue — It employs the Socratic method to examine definitions and the nature of knowledge.
- Comedy — The text contains humorous elements and playful banter among characters.
- Educational — It serves as a tool for teaching philosophical ideas and critical thinking.
Tags
Philosophical Dialogue · Socratic Method · Ancient Greek Philosophy · Ethics · Morality · Knowledge · Wisdom · Education · Critique of Sophism · Rhetoric · Logic · Dialectic