Socrates and Euthyphro
Euthyphro tells Socrates that prosecuting wrongdoers is pious. However, Socrates finds the answer inadequate and continues to question Euthyphro. Socrates continues to probe Euthyphro because he does not find a satisfactory response.
Euthyphro is at the courthouse to prosecute his father for the murder of his servant. Therefore, Socrates is curious as to why one would prosecute their father. As Euthyphro justifies his actions, Socrates asks Euthyphro to define piety. The first definition Euthyphro offers is that piety is prosecuting wrongdoers, whether they are close relatives or not. However, Socrates rejects the answer stating that he did not ask for an example of holy things, instead, a definition of piety.
Socrates finds the answer inadequate because it does not define piety. The kind of response Socrates looks for is one that can be referred to when deciding whether something is pious or not. A definition is more straightforward than listing examples. Also, a description serves as a reference point where one can refer in the future. In contrast, Euthyphro gives an example that cannot be applied to in all situations. Thus, Socrates was looking for a definition that gave a general idea of piety and serves as a reference.