Evaluate with reference to the Plato dialogue on Euthyphro.
Holiness can be defined as a condition of purity or freedom from sin. To be holy is to be dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose. The term justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, religion, equity and fairness. Through these definitions it can tell us that both holiness and righteousness have different meanings. Although religiousness may be a part of fairness, they have many differences that can set each of them apart. This can be revealed through the Plato dialogue where Socrates and Euthyphro discusses the concept of what justice and holiness is and if they are a part of one another. The dialogue also shows Socrates who repeatedly asks Euthyphro to give a definition of piety and also links both piety and fairness together. Through the themes of atheism and religion, fear and reverence and pleasing different individuals gives us a clearer understanding that there is a difference between holiness and justice.
The Plato dialogue on Euthyphro, the difference of piety and fairness can be displayed through the theme of atheism and religion. Socrates and Euthyphro are arguing on whether all holiness is just or all justice is holy. He says: “Wherever there is holiness there is justice too, if where justice is, the holy is not always to be found, thus holiness would be a part of justice”. Socrates states this because piety does not always have to accompany righteousness. Humans, who are Atheists, do not believe in a religion, but can be fair and ethical, without being holy, therefore fairness is not always a part of piety. Atheism refers to the disbelief of the existence of god. The definition implies that atheists do not follow the way of god but they can still abide to the law and what is right and fair. Through the dialogue it gives a message that sanctity is only one part of justice and that