7
Socrates
Socrates. But what things is the disagreement about, which causes enmity and anger? Let us look at it in this way. If you and I were to disagree about number, for instance, which of two numbers were the greater, would the disagreement about these matters make us enemies and make us angry with each other, or should we not quickly settle it by resorting to arithmetic?
10
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Of course we should.
Socrates
Socrates. Then, too, if we were to disagree about the relative size of things, we should quickly put an end to the disagreement by measuring?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Yes.
Socrates
Socrates. And we should, I suppose, come to terms about relative weights by weighing?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Of course.
15
Socrates
Socrates. But about what would a disagreement be, which we could not settle and which would cause us to be enemies and be angry with each other? Perhaps you cannot give an answer offhand; but let me suggest it. Is it not about right and wrong, and noble and disgraceful, and good and bad? Are not these the questions about which you and I and other people become enemies, when we do become enemies, because we differ about them and cannot reach any satisfactory agreement?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Yes, Socrates, these are the questions about which we should become enemies.
Socrates
Socrates. And how about the gods, Euthyphro. If they disagree, would they not disagree about these questions?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Necessarily.
