Assignment Question

say that what all the gods love is pious and holy, and the opposite which they all hate, impious.” In 5-7 sentences, explain why Socrates thinks this doesn’t work. ***NOTE*** To receive credit, you must include:  Also, please do not just Google the answer. The point is for you to actually do the reading. Also, I’ve assigned you a specific excerpt which only involves one of Euthyphro’s definitions. So if you give an answer that isn’t in our excerpt, then I can’t give you credit for the reading response. If you want to Google it *after* you submit your homework, that’s totally fine.

Answer

Introduction:

In Plato’s dialogue “Euthyphro,” the character Euthyphro offers a seemingly straightforward definition of piety: “what all the gods love is pious and holy, and the opposite which they all hate, impious.” However, Socrates, ever the relentless questioner, raises a profound challenge to this definition. He poses a dilemma that exposes the inherent complexities in defining morality based on the will of the gods. This essay explores Socrates’ objections to Euthyphro’s definition and the broader implications of the Euthyphro dilemma. It delves into the age-old question: Is an action pious because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is inherently pious?

Body:

Socrates raises a crucial objection to Euthyphro’s definition by examining the first horn of the Euthyphro dilemma. If actions are deemed pious solely because the gods love them, this implies that piety is arbitrary, contingent upon the ever-changing whims of the divine. This raises a troubling question: can actions that we might consider morally reprehensible be deemed pious if the gods so choose? The answer seems unsettling, for it would suggest that even the most heinous deeds could be justified as pious if sanctioned by the gods. Such a view undermines the stability and objectivity of moral values, as they would be subject to the capricious nature of divine preferences.

However, Socrates does not stop there. He proceeds to explore the second horn of the Euthyphro dilemma, which posits that the gods love actions because they are inherently pious and holy. This challenges the conventional notion that the gods are the ultimate authorities on morality. Instead, it suggests the existence of a higher, independent source of moral values that precludes divine influence. In this case, the gods are merely aware of and conform to a pre-existing moral standard, and their role as moral arbiters is diminished.

Conclusion:

Socrates’ engagement with Euthyphro’s definition of piety in the “Euthyphro” dialogue highlights the profound philosophical dilemma known as the Euthyphro dilemma. This dilemma forces us to reconsider the relationship between the gods and morality. Socrates’ objections reveal that defining piety solely through divine preferences leads to inherent problems, either undermining the stability of morality or questioning the gods’ authority as moral beings.

Ultimately, the Euthyphro dilemma invites us to reflect on the nature of ethics and moral values. It prompts us to seek a foundation for morality that transcends the arbitrariness of divine will or the limitations of human understanding. While it does not provide a definitive answer, Socrates’ challenge serves as a starting point for a more profound exploration of the complexities of morality and the quest for a more robust and objective moral framework. The Euthyphro dilemma reminds us that the pursuit of ethical understanding is a journey marked by profound questions and ongoing philosophical inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Euthyphro dilemma? The Euthyphro dilemma is a philosophical problem posed by Socrates in Plato’s dialogue “Euthyphro.” It questions the relationship between the gods and morality by asking whether actions are pious because the gods love them or whether the gods love them because they are inherently pious. This dilemma challenges conventional notions of divine morality and has profound implications for ethics.
2. Why does Socrates object to Euthyphro’s definition of piety? Socrates objects to Euthyphro’s definition because it leads to a dilemma. If actions are pious solely because the gods love them, morality becomes arbitrary and subject to divine whims. On the other hand, if the gods love actions because they are inherently pious, it suggests that there is a higher, independent source of morality, which diminishes the gods’ authority as moral arbiters.
3. Does the Euthyphro dilemma provide a definitive answer to the nature of morality? No, the Euthyphro dilemma does not provide a definitive answer. Instead, it raises critical questions about the foundations of morality and the relationship between the divine and ethics. It serves as a starting point for philosophical inquiry into the nature of morality and encourages further exploration.
4. What are the broader implications of the Euthyphro dilemma? The Euthyphro dilemma challenges us to think deeply about the nature of ethics and moral values. It prompts us to seek a more stable and objective foundation for morality, one that is not solely dependent on divine preferences. This dilemma has had a lasting impact on moral philosophy and continues to be a subject of debate and discussion.
5. Does the Euthyphro dilemma question the existence of gods? No, the Euthyphro dilemma is primarily concerned with the nature of morality and the relationship between the gods and ethical principles. It does not directly address the existence of gods. Instead, it invites us to consider the implications of different views on divine morality for our understanding of ethics.