Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the significance of Socrates' philanthropy for the concept of piety sought in Plato's Euthyphro. First, I briefly sketch Socrates' self-ascribed philanthropy in contrast with Euthyphro's unreflecting envy. I then propose a cosmological interpretation of Plato's approach to piety, according to which piety lies in just service to gods as they produce their „all-beautiful“ work, which turns out to be the beautiful universe as a whole. Finally, it is attempted to link this cosmological concept of piety to Socrates' philanthropy, whereby Socrates' philosophical care for others reveals his likeness to the benevolent God in Plato's Timaeus.