Socrates was known for his quest for genuine knowledge and careful reasoning. He cared very little for mere victory over an opponent. This could not have been better demonstrated by his piercing and insightful exchange with the supercilious Euthyphro on the subject of piety. When the young Euthyphro was prosecuting his own father in the courts based on his own conviction of ethical rectitude, Socrates confronts Euthyphro on the whole definition of piety.
